Your Guide to a Blissful Day In Burleigh

Roam Burleigh Heads like a local with this ultimate itinerary. Churning out ripper waves, dishing up delicious eats and busting with good vibes year-round, this summery suburb is sure to leave you just a little bit smitten.

Sunrise: Burleigh Heads National Park

Start your day early by watching the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from the rocky foreshore at Burleigh Head National Park. Watch as the first beach-goers head for their morning swim, take in the beautiful surrounds and simply enjoy this peaceful moment.  Improve your mind and body connection by joining a free Tai Chi class at nearby Justin’s Park, or for something a little more active, take a beach-side yoga class for as little as $2.

9am: Breakfast at Commune

For breakfast head to Commune. This eclectic vintage café serves up rustic organic meals and a great atmosphere. It’s a constant favourite with locals and has achieved cult status in both Burleigh Heads and the wider Gold Coast region. Commune is a place to hang out with your friends or family, strike up a conversation with a local, play a round of table tennis (yep!) – all over a healthy, wholesome breakfast, coffee or lunch.

10am: Morning Walk & The Village Markets

Follow one of the great walking tracks along the rocky foreshore and through the rainforest of Burleigh Head National Park. Head to Tumgum Lookout to see sea-eagles soar along the coast and keep an eye out for humpback whales as they travel along the Queensland Coast on their annual migration from June – November.  On Sundays don’t miss The Village Markets, Burleigh’s boutique fashion and lifestyle market. Soak up the coastal vibes, meet our local emerging designers and enjoy delicious eats and live music. From fashion and vintage clothing to arts, crafts and homewares– you’re guaranteed to find a gem. The Village Markets are held on the first and third Sunday of each month from 8.30am – 1.00pm.

12:30pm: Lunch at Rick Shores

Indulge in a delicious lunch with a side of stunning views over one of the best surfing beaches in the world. Rick Shores offers a pan-Asian menu brimming with fresh, locally sourced produce. Awarded one hat by the 2018 Good Food Guide, Rick Shores’ dishes are designed to share. Enjoy the lamb dish with friends but be sure to keep the famous Moreton Bay Bug Rolls all to yourself – you’ll thank us later. Linger awhile with signature cocktails and sandy feet right on the beach.

2pm: Browse & Beach

Wander through James Street in Burleigh and soak up the seaside village feel. Stepping away from the beach you’ve now entered into what is fast becoming the coolest urban strip on the Coast, with the inviting James Street precinct and surrounds playing home to charming cafes, inspiring restaurants, emerging fashion brand boutiques and contemporary art and homeware hubs. Pop into local photographer Sean Scott’s gallery at 21c James Street, grab a coffee at Canteen Coffee, or browse through gorgeous homewares at Eco Vida, Monsoon and the Village furniture shop.

After browsing through the shops, it’s time to hit ‘pause’ and head to the beach for a relaxing afternoon. The Gold Coast is famous for its glorious beaches and the beach in Burleigh Heads enjoys equal popularity among those who like to swim in protected waters closer to the shore and the adrenaline seekers who are keen to surf some of the Pacific’s best waves out the back.

If you’re keen for more action, why not hit the world-famous Burleigh Heads surf break. Feel like you’re not quite ready to attack the waves on your own? There are plenty of surf schools and instructors on hand to get you started.

5pm: Sunset on Burleigh Hill

Head back to Burleigh Head National Park and watch the sun paint the sky in beautiful hues as it sinks in the west. Burleigh Heads National Park is a great vantage point to watch this spectacle. If you find yourself in Burleigh at 5pm on any Sunday, be sure to get down to Justin’s Park nest to Burleigh Surf Club where you can catch an infectious mix of singing, dancing and drumming. Bop along with the bongo circle, watch skilled fire twirlers or just be swept up in the positive vibes as screeching lorikeets ring in another fantastic sunset at Burleigh Heads.

If you prefer a quiet afternoon beverage on your balcony, take the short drive to Burleigh Brewing Co. to pick up a supply of what can definitely be dubbed local’s favourite craft beer (make sure you do so between 11am-4pm). Using only the finest, purest natural ingredients, the Brewmaster and his team are committed to maintaining the brewing traditions of centuries gone by. The result is a selection of seriously good craft beers. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays the Taphouse opens its doors with local live music (Friday and Sunday), a food truck, craft beers and more.

7pm: Dinner at Jimmy Wah's

Send your taste buds into sensory heaven via the exquisite food served up at Jimmy Wah’s - fine dining Vietnamese with an Australian twist. Opt for the Feed Me banquet so you don’t have to deliberate over which dish to try - this way you get seven courses, share plate style. Tempura oysters, betel leaf Barramundi and caramelised pork belly are a good example of the delicacies on offer. Your dining experience will be enhanced by the 5 star service (the staff here are absolute pros) and the incredible cocktail list.

8.30pm: Hit Burleigh's Bar Scene

For post-dinner drinks (or pre-dinner for that matter) you’ll be spoilt for choice. Check out the ever popular Justin Lane Rooftop Bar for impressive cocktails and views, or enjoy classic tipples at the speak-easy style Lockwood Bar. If you’re keen let your hair down with locals, head to Nightjar, a back-alley dive bar that will have you dancing to acoustic classics into the night.

Overnight

Burleigh Heads offers a range of accommodation to suit every budget. Indulge with a stay at Bujerum Apartments on Burleigh, directly opposite the beach, choose Burleigh Mediterranean Resort for great ocean views and excellent resort facilities. Bliss.