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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Burleigh Heads National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Coastal headland with stunning ocean views and lush rainforest trails, offering a natural escape on the Gold Coast.
"A peaceful, well-kept trail perfect for a short but rewarding escape into nature."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean View Walk
Coastal track
Stunning shoreline views, perfect for spotting dolphins and enjoying the Pacific Ocean breeze.

Rainforest Circuit
Inner park trails
Immerse yourself in lush rainforest, a surprising natural oasis in the heart of the city.

Lookouts
Various points along the trails
Panoramic vistas of the Gold Coast skyline and the vast Pacific Ocean await.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Embrace the Walk & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warmer days, as you explore the park's natural beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for breathtaking coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warmer days, as you explore the park's natural beauty.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene ocean views. Sunset provides a beautiful golden hour glow over the landscape.
Yes, if you're lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales, they make for spectacular photographic subjects. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
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
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails: Ocean Views & Rainforest Magic
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.
Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Whales, and Birdlife
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
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit