Burleigh Head National Park Tours and Activities

Burleigh Head National Park showing landscape views and rugged coastline
Gold Coast which includes wild flowers
Burleigh Head National Park featuring a garden
Photo by Caz and Craig @yTravelBlog
Photo by The Brit & The Blonde


This tiny reserve of natural headland in the heart of the bustling Gold Coast offers coastal rainforest walks, panoramic views and a chance to spot whales and dolphins. 

At Burleigh Head National Park, ancient volcanic columns and rainforest meet the sea, providing an important habitat for rare flora and fauna. Explore the rainforest or follow the ocean view track to see one of Australia’s most famous surfing point breaks on the northern side.  

Burleigh Head National Park is the area’s last coastal slice of natural wilderness, spared from urban development due to its geological significance. Over 20 million years ago, molten lava from numerous eruptions in the Mount Warning area spread in all directions. Some flows reached the coastline at Burleigh headland and Point Danger. 

The cooled lava coupled with erosion has given the coastline a rough and untouched look. The cool climate and beautiful views make Burleigh Head National Park the perfect place to walk or hike. Wander through the park’s 67 acres (27 hectares) of rainforest, eucalypt forests, pandanus groves, tussock grassland, coastal heath, mangroves, creeks, rocky foreshore and beaches. 

Stop by the information centre at the entrance for details about the two marked walking tracks. The Rainforest circuit climbs to about 88 metres (289 feet) above sea level and provides a great chance to spot some wildlife. Look for koalas, sea eagles, brahminy kites, echidnas, possums, rainbow lorikeets and other endemic species. 

The park’s other walking track is the Oceanview track that leads around the headland. Stop at Tumgun lookout to look for migrating humpback whales in winter and spring or pods of dolphins year-round. Walk around the rocky headland from Tallebudgera Creek and admire the tumbled masses of basalt columns. Relax by the creek at Echo Beach or picnic on the Burleigh foreshore. 

Burleigh Head National Park is located in the suburb of Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. The headland is about 90 kilometres (56 miles) south of Brisbane and parking is available at the end of Goodwin Terrace. Parts of the park are accessible by wheelchair and stroller. Camping is not permitted within the park.

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Top Burleigh Head National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Gemini Court Holiday Apartments

Gemini Court Holiday Apartments

4 out of 5
45 Hayle Street, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Gemini Court Holiday Apartments
Burleigh Beach Tower

Burleigh Beach Tower

3.5 out of 5
52 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Burleigh Beach Tower
Villa Grande by Burleigh Letting Co

Villa Grande by Burleigh Letting Co

4 out of 5
19 George St E, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Villa Grande by Burleigh Letting Co
Ambience on Burleigh Beach

Ambience on Burleigh Beach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Ambience on Burleigh Beach
The Village Holiday Apartments at Burleigh

The Village Holiday Apartments at Burleigh

4 out of 5
4 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads, QLD
The Village Holiday Apartments at Burleigh
The Laneway Villas

The Laneway Villas

1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads, QLD
The Laneway Villas
Mondrian Gold Coast

Mondrian Gold Coast

4.5 out of 5
3 First Avenue, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Mondrian Gold Coast
Boardwalk Burleigh Beach

Boardwalk Burleigh Beach

4 out of 5
1877 1879 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Boardwalk Burleigh Beach
Regency on the Beach

Regency on the Beach

3.5 out of 5
1483 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, QLD
Regency on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Burleigh Head National Park

At Burleigh Head National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including picturesque coastal walks and exploring some of the best walking trails in Queensland. The park features well-maintained walking tracks that provide stunning views of the coastline and lush rainforest. After a day of adventure, you can unwind with shopping, indulge in a spa treatment, or hit the golf course nearby for a relaxing finish to your day.

Shopping

The Village Markets, located 1.1km from Burleigh Head National Park, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and gourmet food. Honeyworld, a delightful store 4.8km away, showcases unique honey products. If you're up for a drive, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 6.4km away, features a wide range of shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

Burleigh Golf Club offers a relaxing outdoor experience with stunning views, perfect for a leisurely round of golf. Pizzey Park Sporting Complex caters to sports enthusiasts with various facilities, while Gold Coast Seniors Tennis Club provides a luxurious setting for tennis lovers to unwind and enjoy the game.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Gold Coast Skydive, located 11.3km from Burleigh Head National Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views while free-falling. Dive into adventure at Cod Hole, 6.4km away, for an incredible underwater exploration. For fast-paced fun, Go Karting Gold Coast is 14.5km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Burleigh Head National Park with a visit to Dracula's Cabaret, offering a unique blend of entertainment and culture just 6.4km away. Alternatively, enjoy a fun-filled evening at Surfers Paradise Tenpin, located 9.7km away, perfect for a casual night out with friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Burleigh Head National Park

Burleigh Head National Park offers a delightful mix of beach and cultural experiences, making it a perfect spot for families and solo travellers alike. Explore the stunning Burleigh Beach and the scenic Burleigh Heads Beach, where you can relax or enjoy water activities. The national park itself is a fantastic destination for hiking and appreciating nature, providing a unique opportunity to soak in the beautiful coastal scenery and vibrant local culture.

  • Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre: This state-of-the-art event venue, located 8.0km from Burleigh Head National Park, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for conferences and exhibitions. Enjoy its modern facilities and excellent services, making it a hub for business and creativity.
  • Cavill Avenue: Situated 11.3km from Burleigh Head National Park, Cavill Avenue is the heart of the Gold Coast’s city vibes. Lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, it’s a bustling street perfect for a day of exploration and fun.
  • Burleigh Beach: Just 644m away from Burleigh Head National Park, Burleigh Beach boasts stunning views and golden sands. It's an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, offering a relaxed beach vibe that captures the essence of the Gold Coast.

Best time to go to Burleigh Head National Park

The best time to visit Burleigh Head National Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February75.6°F (24.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
August62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Burleigh Head National Park

To save money on your trip to Burleigh Head National Park, consider visiting in February, June, or August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia, where Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly and eco-certified hotels. Combining your hotel with flights and activities in a package deal can also help cut costs. Don’t forget to explore the park’s free walking trails and stunning beaches for budget-friendly activities!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Burleigh Head National Park are February, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Burleigh Head National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Burleigh Head National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Burleigh Head National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll find sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at Burleigh Head National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.