Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
medium
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
25 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
2 500 m
Frequently asked questions
Burleigh Heads Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +22.0°C, warms up to +25.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 1.2 m.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — medium. The shallow area extends for 25 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 2 500 metres.
Burleigh Heads Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Burleigh Heads Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — moderate. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Burleigh Heads Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: bluebottles (Portuguese man o- war), sharks (rare). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Burleigh Heads Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Burleigh Heads Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Burleigh Pavilion, The Tropic, Justin Lane. Cuisines available: Modern Australian, Italian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Towel, Swimsuit, Surfboard, Cash, Water.
Burleigh Heads Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best to swim in the morning before 11:00, when the water is calmer and fewer people. Evening offers beautiful sunsets and whale watching in season (June–November).
Burleigh Heads Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim only between the red and yellow flags in patrolled areas. Watch for bluebottle warnings. Dogs are prohibited on the beach.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Burleigh Heads Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers seeking some of the best waves on the Gold Coast, and for families thanks to year-round lifeguard patrols from 8am to 5pm. Suitable for beach lovers, esplanade walkers and visitors to Burleigh Head National Park. Not suitable for those seeking solitude and quiet — it is one of the region-s most popular beaches.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Location at the base of Burleigh Head National Park with walking trails and lookouts for whale watching. The beach is known as one of the best surf spots on the Gold Coast with waves suitable for both experienced surfers and beginners in patrolled areas.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Year-round lifeguard patrols (8am–5pm), Some of the best surf waves on the Gold Coast, Scenic Burleigh Head National Park nearby, Well-developed infrastructure: cafes, restaurants, parks, Esplanade for walking and cycling, Three patrolled areas for safe swimming, Nearby lookout for whale watching, Free entry. Cons: Crowded on weekends and holidays, Paid and limited parking, Strong rip currents outside patrolled areas, Expensive cafes and restaurants on the esplanade, Traffic noise, Can be windy.
Burleigh Heads Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Burleigh Head National Park, Burleigh Hill Lookout, Burleigh Farmers Market, Jupiters Casino. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Burleigh Heads Beach: how do I get to the city of Gold Coast?
The beach is located near the city of Gold Coast. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Gold Coast.