Great view South to Coolongatta
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Burleigh Heads National Park

4.8
·4k reviews·Burleigh Heads, Australia

Coastal headland with stunning ocean views and lush rainforest trails, offering a natural escape on the Gold Coast.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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Great view South to Coolongatta

Burleigh Heads National Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Coastal headland with stunning ocean views and lush rainforest trails, offering a natural escape on the Gold Coast.

4.8
(4k reviews)

"A peaceful, well-kept trail perfect for a short but rewarding escape into nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is a Challenge

Arrive early or consider public transport, as parking in Burleigh Heads can be difficult.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The park has beautiful walking trails, so good footwear is essential for exploring.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean View Walk

Ocean View Walk

Coastal track

Stunning shoreline views, perfect for spotting dolphins and enjoying the Pacific Ocean breeze.

Rainforest Circuit

Rainforest Circuit

Inner park trails

Immerse yourself in lush rainforest, a surprising natural oasis in the heart of the city.

Lookouts

Lookouts

Various points along the trails

Panoramic vistas of the Gold Coast skyline and the vast Pacific Ocean await.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Views

Burleigh Heads National Park can get busy, especially on weekends. For a more peaceful experience and prime photo opportunities, aim for early mornings or weekdays. Parking is also a challenge, so consider public transport or arriving early to snag a spot.

Embrace the Walk & Wildlife

The park offers stunning coastal and rainforest walks, perfect for a nature escape. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales during migration season! Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for your exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Whale watching season (June-Nov)
Why
Chance to see migrating whales
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Think smarter not harder 😉 #foryoupage #fypシ #fyp #goldcoast #burleighheads
@sezzzyj
136.3K likes • 2M views

🚗 Parking is a Challenge

Arrive early or consider public transport, as parking in Burleigh Heads can be difficult. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The park has beautiful walking trails, so good footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

Someone tell me it isn’t true… #goldcoast #burleighheads
@lachiedavies
18.4K likes • 238.1K views
Honestly would’ve done this everyday if I was living in Gold Coast 🙈 The iconic Burleigh Heads National Park walk!! A 2.4km walk you’ll LOVE! 👉🏽SAVE this for your Gold Coast trip! #burleighheads #burleighheadsnationalpark #goldcoast #goldcoastaustralia #walksgoldcoast #hikesgoldcoast #thingstodoingoldcoast #thisisqueensland #experiencegoldcoast #traveltiktok #travelgram #travelblogger #travel...
shreyas.lens
58 likes • 5.5K views

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for breathtaking coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially on warmer days, as you explore the park's natural beauty.

It’s so important to learn about the history of where you are visiting! 🥹✨ Before arriving in Australia I knew very little about the Aboriginals and it’s been so interesting learning about the traditional culture 🇦🇺 We are staying in Surfers Paradise and took a day trip to Burleigh Heads for an Aboriginal Walking tour organised by @welcometo.travel 🥰 pr The views from the National Park are incr...
zoe.stephen
359 likes • 18K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is a Challenge

Arrive early or consider public transport, as parking in Burleigh Heads can be difficult. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The park has beautiful walking trails, so good footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for breathtaking coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially on warmer days, as you explore the park's natural beauty.

What Travellers Say

4.8
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Burleigh Heads National Park's stunning coastal views and lush rainforest walks, calling it a beautiful and peaceful escape. Many highlight the convenience of its location and the chance to spot dolphins. Some find parking and crowds challenging during peak times.

"It’s an absolute beautiful place to visit if you’re in the area.

We took about 1.5 hours in the Burleigh Head National Park to walk around. There are different tracks and it’s all connected to another. We stopped in between the tracks to check out the views and surfers.

Love this place."

MeiFang (MeiFang)

"A scenic walking trail that hugs the coastline, offering beautiful views of the ocean and a distant glimpse of the Gold Coast skyline. You can complete both the beachside and summit loops in about 40 minutes to an hour. It’s a peaceful, well-kept trail, perfect for those who want a short but rewarding escape into nature."

neurostella

"Beautiful place, a must for photos. The scenery is second to none"

Carol P (Cazza)

What People Like

Spectacular ocean views
Beautiful rainforest walks
Dolphin sightings

What People Dislike

Crowded on weekends
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Burleigh Heads National Park by car, with parking available, though it can be limited. Public transport options like buses also service the area, making it accessible without a car. Reddit

Yes, there are parking areas within and near the park. However, parking can be very challenging, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Burleigh Heads offers a beautiful coastal walk, and the national park is a fantastic destination to include in your stroll. It's a popular route for locals and visitors alike. Reddit

The area is very walkable, with the national park, beaches, cafes, and shops all in close proximity. Public transport is also available for longer distances. Reddit

The main access points are from The Esplanade and Burleigh Head Road. The Ocean View Walk and Rainforest Circuit are clearly marked within the park.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Burleigh Heads National Park is free. You can explore its trails and enjoy the natural beauty without any admission fees.

The park is generally open from dawn till dusk. It's a natural environment, so access is typically unrestricted during daylight hours.

While there aren't typically formal ticketed tours for the park itself, local tour operators may offer excursions that include Burleigh Heads National Park as part of a broader Gold Coast experience.

Parking within the national park is generally free, but it is limited. Street parking in the surrounding Burleigh Heads area may be metered or time-restricted.

As a national park, there are rules to protect the environment. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails, not to feed wildlife, and to take all rubbish with them.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Ocean View Walk offers stunning coastal vistas, while the Rainforest Circuit immerses you in lush greenery. Both are relatively short and well-maintained, perfect for a quick nature escape. Reddit

Yes! Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the ocean, and during migration season (June to November), you might spot whales. Various bird species are also common. Reddit

The lookouts along the Ocean View Walk provide breathtaking panoramas of the Gold Coast skyline and the Pacific Ocean. These are prime spots for photos. Reddit

Yes, the well-maintained trails are generally suitable for families. The shorter loops are manageable for younger children, and the natural environment offers plenty to explore.

You'll find picnic areas and some seating along the trails. There are no extensive facilities like cafes or restrooms directly within the park, so plan accordingly.

📸 📸 Photography

The lookouts along the Ocean View Walk offer incredible panoramic shots of the coastline and Gold Coast skyline. The rainforest trails also provide unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene ocean views. Sunset provides a beautiful golden hour glow over the landscape. Reddit

Yes, if you're lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales, they make for spectacular photographic subjects. Remember to maintain a respectful distance. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting, though not essential for general park photography.

Drone usage in national parks is often restricted or prohibited to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official Queensland National Parks website for current regulations.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Burleigh Heads National Park is a fantastic, accessible nature escape for families. The Ocean View Walk is relatively easy and offers engaging sights like surfers and the ocean, keeping younger ones entertained. The Rainforest Circuit provides a sense of adventure as kids explore a different environment. Pack snacks and water, and consider a picnic at one of the designated areas. The short, well-maintained trails are manageable for most children, making it a great way to introduce them to the beauty of the Australian coast. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers

For solo adventurers, Burleigh Heads National Park offers a safe and rewarding experience. The well-trodden paths and clear signage make it easy to navigate independently. The Ocean View Walk is perfect for a refreshing solo stroll, allowing you to soak in the coastal atmosphere at your own pace. It's also a great place to connect with nature and enjoy some quiet contemplation, with plenty of benches to pause and admire the views. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find endless inspiration here. Focus on the dramatic coastal panoramas from the lookouts, especially during sunrise or sunset for that magical golden hour light. The contrast between the rugged coastline and the urban sprawl of the Gold Coast is a unique subject. Don't overlook the intricate details within the rainforest, from moss-covered trees to unique fungi, offering a different photographic challenge. Keep an eye out for wildlife; a well-timed shot of a dolphin or whale can be a career highlight. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails: Ocean Views & Rainforest Magic

Burleigh Heads National Park boasts two primary walking circuits that offer distinct yet equally captivating experiences. The Ocean View Walk hugs the coastline, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, surfers catching waves, and the distant Gold Coast skyline. This track is relatively flat and accessible, making it a popular choice for a leisurely stroll with stunning vistas. Keep your eyes peeled; dolphins are frequently spotted playing in the surf, and during migration seasons, whale sightings are a possibility. Reddit

The Rainforest Circuit, on the other hand, takes you inland, immersing you in a lush, subtropical rainforest. This trail offers a cooler, shaded escape and a chance to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The contrast between the open coastal views and the dense, verdant rainforest is a unique feature of this park. Both walks are well-maintained and clearly signposted, allowing for an enjoyable and safe exploration of the park's natural beauty. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Whales, and Birdlife

One of the most thrilling aspects of visiting Burleigh Heads National Park is the potential for wildlife encounters. The waters off the coast are a prime location for spotting dolphins, which are often seen playing in the waves near the shore. For the best chance of seeing them, visit during the morning or late afternoon. Reddit

From June to November, Burleigh Heads becomes a fantastic vantage point for whale watching as humpback whales migrate along the coast. While you might need binoculars for a closer look, the sight of these magnificent creatures breaching or spouting is unforgettable. Beyond marine life, the park is also a haven for various bird species, so bring your binoculars if you're a keen birdwatcher. The diverse habitats within the park support a rich array of avian life.

Photography Hotspots: Capturing the Gold Coast's Coastal Charm

Burleigh Heads National Park is a photographer's dream, offering a variety of scenic opportunities. The lookouts along the Ocean View Walk are arguably the most popular spots, providing sweeping vistas of the iconic Gold Coast skyline juxtaposed against the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean. These vantage points are perfect for capturing wide-angle shots that showcase the region's stunning coastal development and natural beauty. Reddit

For a different perspective, the trails within the rainforest offer opportunities for intimate nature photography, focusing on the textures of bark, the vibrant greens of the foliage, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Early mornings and late afternoons, during the 'golden hours,' offer the most flattering light for both coastal and rainforest scenes, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors. Remember to be patient if you're hoping to capture wildlife; the best shots often come with a bit of waiting and luck.

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