Burleigh Heads & TallebudgeraHoliday Destinations
Renowned for its surf break, Burleigh Heads is a laid back alternative to the more touristy suburbs of the Gold Coast. Burleigh's headland, known to locals as 'The Point' is a favourite for families wanting to enjoy a day out.
With great surfing, protected swimming, exciting dining options and plenty of green grass and barbeques on the foreshore, it's no wonder The Point is a family fave. Tallebudgera Creek is another prime example of a family favourite destination. These calm waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, paddle boarding and canoeing. Each year families flock to the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park for front row position on the creek.
Main Attractions
Natural Attractions
Burleigh Heads National Park is a wild, natural headland that has walking tracks along the rocky foreshore and through lush rainforest. The headland is a great spot to watch sea-eagles soaring along the coast and even spot koalas and wallabies roaming free. If you head down in spring you can even catch a glimpse of whales frolicking offshore.
Burleigh Beach – The Point – provides a well-known surf break that attracts many surfers to the area all year round. When the surf is up there will also be more than a few spectators along the beach watching the displays. The waters are well protected too so you can enjoy swimming here under the watchful eyes of the lifesavers.The grassy area by the beach, Justins Park, is popular for cricket, footy, barbecues and family picnics.
Not far from Tallebudgera is Springbrook National Park, a World Heritage Area and a magnificent patch of rainforest. Take a walk through the lush rainforest to some of the spectacular waterfalls, ancient trees and phenomenal panoramic views.
David Fleay Wildlife Park in the heart of Burleigh Heads has dozens of threatened species and educates visitors on the importance of conservation. Take a walk through the rainforest and experience the diversity of threatened wildlife.
You can go on a kayaking tour across Tallebudgera Creek and immerse yourself in nature as you walk through the Burleigh Head National Park.
Tourist Attractions
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre invites visitors to journey back in time to when the Yugambeh people called Burleigh home. Stop at significant Aboriginal sites, learn about Aboriginal culture and watch a traditional corroboree, it's designed for international visitors, interstate travellers and locals wanting to learn about the first inhabitants. Book a half day tour that will start at the Cultural Centre and take you through Burleigh Heads National Park, kayak Tallebudgera Creek and pull up to the David Fleay Wildlife Park.
Burleigh Golf Club is a private members golf club that offers Social Membership for those on holiday in the area. The course provides first class golfing through a diverse ‘woodland’ type forest and full clubhouse facilities.
Every Sunday - during the warmer months - you can head down to the Burleigh Heads Bowls Club for a game of Barefoot Bowls. Learn from a coach and enjoy a beer as you compete against your mates.
Children and adults will love bouncing around at BOUNCEinc. With zones for Dodgeball, Basketball and a Monster Air Bag, it's a great spot for a rainy day.
For over 10 years, Burleigh Brewing Company has been creating soulful brews and giving visitors a place to enjoy them. Take a tour of the brewery, talk with the brewmaster and visit the Tap House to sample beers and order takeaways! Check out their 'Hoppenings' as you can pick a day when food trucks and local musicians converge, making it into a truly unique day out. You might also enjoy picking up a tasting paddle at the Black Hops Taproom where you can taste some of the new beers on the Burleigh block.
Shopping
Stockland Burleigh Heads is the place to go if you need to stock up on supplies for your holiday. With all the big banks, supermarkets, liquor stores and boutiques - you can get pretty much everything you need under the one roof.
If you are lucky to be in Burleigh Heads on the first and third Sunday of the month, head to the Burleigh Heads State School Oval for The Village Markets (TVM). TVM are unlike a lot of other markets (they don't sell any tat) so you'll be able to find quality wares form local designers, artists, creative and foodies all set to the wonderful sounds of local musicians.
Dining
Burleigh Heads has become a foodie destination with beachside fine dining, rooftop bars and a whole load of cafes offering the trendiest breakfasts going around. Grab a meal at the local Surf Club or have a romantic dinner for two overlooking the night time beach scape.
Right on The Point, Oskars on Burleigh and Rick Shores are probably the best situated restaurants on the entire Gold Coast. Diners are treated with views of sparkling waters by day and at dusk a magnificent light display as the Gold Coast lights up. Rick Shores is known for their pan Asian flavours and Oskars has a reputation for a daily changing seafood menu based on the best and freshest catches.
Eat, drink and be merry overlooking Burleigh from the Gold Coast's first rooftop bar. Serving pizza and pasta Justin Lane also do takeaway and delivery service. It's the perfect venue for after beach beers or an early dinner with the kids.
Two of the best fish restaurants are located here too, Fishmongers for casual fish'n'chips and The Fish House for fancy fine dining.
Tallebudgera has lots of great local restaurants and cafes, however, if you're after something a little different Teavine House in the Tallebudgera Valley offers high tea in a picturesque location.
Main Events
Each January, surfers from around the world converge on Burleigh Heads beach for the Burleigh Pro. Over four consecutive days surfers battle it out for World Surf League Qualifying Series points and prize money. Spectators can enjoy watching them ride the waves from the natural amphitheatre that is Burleigh Heads.
On the 25 April every year, the people of Burleigh Heads pause to remember the fallen on Anzac Day. The Dawn Service begins at daybreak at the War Memorial Park Burleigh Heads Cenotaph with the march to follow down James Street. For more information on times please take a look at the Burleigh Heads RSL Sub Branch.
Nightlife
If you're not wanting anything too fancy, you can enjoy a beer or two in your boardies at the Burleigh Heads Hotel or Burleigh Heads Surf Club. Both offer great views of the surf and plenty of local flavour.
If boutique beer is your thing, visit the Burleigh Brewing Company or Black Hops Taproom to sample their wares.
Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast, Getty Images & TVM website