Burleigh Head National Park Gold Coast

Beach view through the Pandanus trees. Photo credit: Jess Rosewell © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Geological processes continue as the masses of hexagonal basalt columns, once part of a lava flow from the Tweed Volcano, become exposed to weathering and erosion from the ocean and elements.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Camping is not permitted in Burleigh Head National Park.

    Other accommodation

    There is a wide range of holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast.

    For more information see the tourism information links.

    Walking

    Graded walking tracks give easy access to the park’s most interesting features. Each track is classified according to Australian Standards.

    Picture of view from lookout overlooking ocean at Burleigh Heads.

    Use the lookouts to watch dolphins or humpback whales during their winter and spring migration.

    Photo credit: Katie Roberts © Queensland Government

    Oceanview track

    This scenic track follows the coastline, leading around the rocky headland from Tallebudgera Creek to the southern edge of Burleigh Heads township.

    Grade 2

    Distance: 1.2km one-way

    Time: Allow about 30min walking time

    • Accessibility: The Oceanview track is wheelchair-accessible with assistance.
    • Highlights: Admire the striking, tumbled masses of six-sided basalt columns and enjoy a relaxing break by the creek at Echo Beach.
    • Return Options: You can return via the same path or take an alternate route through the Rainforest circuit and Tumgun Lookout.

    For the safety of visitors, a section of Oceanview track may be temporarily closed before, during and after severe weather, due to the increased risk of rock falls. Go to Park alerts to check the latest information on track closures.

    Caution! For your safety, please observe the DANGER boulder fall zone restricted access area sign (PDF, 100.9KB)   (PDF, 100.9KB) and remain on the walking track. Access is not permitted to the boulder fields, including Cannon Rock, or the steep slopes between the Oceanview track and the boulder fields—penalties apply.

    Caution! For your safety, please observe the DANGER boulder fall zone restricted access area sign (PDF, 100.9KB) and remain on the walking track. Access is not permitted to the boulder fields, including Cannon Rock, or the steep slopes between the Oceanview track and the boulder fields—penalties apply.

    Rainforest circuit

    Grade 3 (suitable for most walkers with a moderate fitness level).

    Distance: 2.3km return

    Time: Allow about 45min walking time

    Accessibility: this track is not suitable for wheelchair users as it includes steps.

    Highlights: This track offers an easy-grade walk for most of the way, with a steep section near Tumgun Lookout. The lookout provides a fantastic vantage point to spot humpback whales splashing offshore during their migration in winter and spring.

    Caution! For your safety, please observe the DANGER boulder falls zone restricted access area sign (PDF, 99.6KB)   (PDF, 99.6KB) and remain on the walking track. Access is not permitted to the boulder fields, including Cannon Rock—penalties apply.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    A picnic area and toilets are located near the northern entrance to the park along Goodwin Terrace. Toilets are also located near the southern entrance in the car park—these are managed by the Gold Coast City Council.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

    View all park alerts