What is the best time of day to visit Burleigh Beach?

Early mornings are great for swimming and surfing, while afternoons and sunset are ideal for picnics and coastal walks.

Burleigh Beach Days

Q: What makes Burleigh Beach a great place to spend the day?

Burleigh Beach offers golden sand, clear water, grassy parklands and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, picnics and coastal walks.

Q: Is Burleigh Beach suitable for families?

Yes. Families enjoy the playgrounds, shaded grassy areas, rockpools and nearby calm swimming spots.

Q: Can I learn to surf at Burleigh Beach?

Yes. Local surf schools offer lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers, and surfboard hire is available nearby.

Q: Where can I watch surfers at Burleigh?

Burleigh Hill and the surrounding headland are popular spots to watch surfers at the famous Burleigh Point break.

Q: Are there places to eat near Burleigh Beach?

Yes. Cafés, kiosks, bakeries and takeaway options are located close to the beach for easy meals and snacks.

Burleigh Beach is where long mornings drift into slow afternoons, where families gather under the Norfolk pines and surfers glide across rolling blue waves. With soft golden sand, calm swimming areas and the headland rising at the southern end, every beach day here feels effortless and full of charm. Whether you’re swimming, picnicking, strolling the foreshore or simply unwinding beside the ocean, Burleigh is the heart of coastal living.

Where to Swim

Sun-soaked luxury in this tropical paradise

The patrolled section between the flags is perfect for safe swimming, gentle waves and relaxed time in the shallows. It’s a favourite for families and laidback beachgoers.

North Burleigh Beach

A wider, quieter stretch with plenty of space to spread out, great swimming conditions and the North Burleigh Surf Club just steps away for refreshments.

Echo Beach (Tallebudgera Creek side)

Reachable via a beautiful walk through Burleigh Head National Park, Echo Beach offers calm turquoise water, soft sand and a peaceful cove ideal for young children and slower-paced swims. A must-visit for anyone wanting a quieter seaside escape.

Surfing & Board Hire

Burleigh Point Break

One of Australia’s most iconic waves sits right at the southern end of the beach. Even if you’re not surfing, watching the longboarders carving across the point at sunrise is a Burleigh ritual.

Surf Lessons & Hire

If you’d like to learn or improve:

Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School offers friendly beginner and family lessons.
Australian Surfing Adventures runs guided classes and coaching.

You’ll also find several board-hire vendors along the foreshore and near the headland for easy, no-fuss rentals.

Easy Eats

Burleigh SLSC Café (right on the sand)

Perfect for an ice cream, cold drink or quick snack without leaving the beach. Ideal for families needing something simple and close by.

The Kiosk at Burleigh Pavilion

A beloved hole-in-the-wall spot serving excellent takeaway coffee with ocean views — ideal for early mornings and post-walk pick-me-ups.

Takeaway for sunset

From fresh fish and chips to poke bowls, burgers and classic beach takeaway, Burleigh makes it easy to grab dinner and head straight to the foreshore. Many visitors pick up a meal and enjoy it from the sand or on Burleigh Hill as the sky softens into sunset.

Sunrise, Sunset & Burleigh Hill Magic

Sunrise from the sand

Watch the horizon glow as the sun lifts over the water — one of Burleigh’s most peaceful daily rituals.

Sunset on Burleigh Hill

Gather with locals and travellers on the grassy hillside overlooking the headland. Bring a picnic blanket, some takeaway and enjoy front-row views of surfers and golden skies.

Foreshore Walks & Coastal Paths

The Burleigh foreshore path offers shady, scenic walking under the pines, connecting the north and south ends of the beach. Wander towards Miami for sweeping water views or head south into Burleigh Head National Park, where rainforest tracks and ocean lookouts await.

The path eventually leads you to Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek, making the walk a beautiful part of any beach day.

Playgrounds & Family Spaces

Burleigh’s beachfront parks are designed for families, with shaded playgrounds, open grassy areas, BBQs and picnic tables right beside the beach. Kids can play while adults relax under the pines or take turns dipping in the water.

Tallebudgera Creek & Echo Beach

A short walk or drive brings you to one of the most loved spots on the Gold Coast. Tallebudgera Creek offers calm, clear water that’s perfect for floating, swimming, paddle boarding or spending a long, lazy afternoon by the shore. Echo Beach sits on the creek side of the headland and feels like a hidden pocket of paradise.

Tips for the Perfect Beach Day

Mornings are best for calm water and cooler weather.
Always swim between the flags.
Arrive early on weekends if you want a shady spot under the pines.
Pack sunscreen, hats, water and a light picnic.
Wear swimmers if you’re walking the national park — Echo Beach is irresistible.

FAQS

What makes Burleigh Beach a great place to spend the day?

Burleigh Beach is loved for its golden sand, clear water, grassy parklands and relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for swimming, surfing, picnics on the headland and watching surfers at sunrise and sunset.

Is Burleigh Beach good for swimming?

Yes. Burleigh Beach is patrolled and popular for swimming, with nearby calmer options available at Tallebudgera Creek and Echo Beach for families and younger swimmers.

Is Burleigh Beach suitable for families?

Absolutely. Families enjoy the nearby playgrounds, shaded grassy areas, safe swimming spots, rockpools and wide open spaces for picnics and play.

Can I learn to surf at Burleigh Beach?

Yes. Burleigh is a well-known surf destination with local surf schools offering lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. Surfboard hire is also available nearby.

Where can I watch surfers at Burleigh?

Burleigh Hill and the surrounding headland are perfect spots to watch surfers riding the famous Burleigh Point break, especially early in the morning or late afternoon.

Are there places to eat near Burleigh Beach?

Yes. There are cafés, kiosks, bakeries and takeaway options right near the beach, making it easy to grab coffee, ice cream, fish and chips or casual meals to enjoy by the ocean.

Are there walking paths along the beach?

Yes. The foreshore path runs along Burleigh Beach and connects to North Burleigh and surrounding areas. It’s ideal for walking, cycling or scootering with ocean views.

Can I visit Tallebudgera Creek from Burleigh Beach?

Yes. Tallebudgera Creek is just over the headland and offers calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, paddling and relaxing away from the surf.

What’s the best time of day to visit Burleigh Beach?

Early mornings are ideal for swimming and surfing, while afternoons are perfect for picnics and beach walks. Sunset is especially popular for watching the waves and enjoying the coastal scenery.