Burleigh Heads Beach is a pristine Gold Coast gem where the lush Burleigh Head National Park meets the Pacific Ocean. This sheltered stretch of white sand and azure water sits at the base of a rocky headland, offering calm swimming zones patrolled daily by lifeguards. The northern end near the headland rock platform provides the best snorkeling when seas are calm, with easy shore entry and clear conditions revealing rocky gutters and sandy patches. Backed by the iconic Burleigh Hill, it offers world-class surf viewing and a vibrant coastal atmosphere with cafes, picnic spots, and the Burleigh Heads Surf Club.
Burleigh Heads Beach
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 4.6 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Misaochan2The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Swell waves and surf break
Burleigh Heads is a World Surfing Reserve with a powerful right-hand point break. Snorkelers should avoid the surf zone near the headland when waves are breaking.
Moderate risk: Rip currents
Rip currents can develop along the beach, particularly near the headland. Swim only between the red and yellow flags.
Low risk: Rock platform at headland
Sharp volcanic rock platform on the northern end of the beach near the national park. Exercise caution when entering or exiting the water in this area.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Bluebottles and jellyfish can be present, particularly during warmer months (November to May).
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Burleigh Heads Beach is located on the Gold Coast Highway, roughly halfway between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. Drive via the M1 motorway to Exit 89 (Burleigh Heads), then follow signs to the beach. Public buses along the Gold Coast Highway stop at Burleigh Heads. The G:link light rail stops at nearby stations with bus connections.
Parking & facilities
Multiple parking lots along the beachfront with hundreds of spaces. Free parking for up to 3 hours; paid parking at $4 AUD per hour in some areas. Clearly signposted.
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Free entry. Parking is free for 3 hours, then paid in some areas. No snorkeling-specific fees.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports