Coffee

Canteen | a local favourite hidden in the one of the arcades off James street, 23 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads 

Commune Cafe | is also well loved by locals. Can be found at 1844 Gold Coast Highway (lower GC Highway). Commune’s breaky is also delicious!

As you wander toward Burleigh Headland you will see Nook at the bottom. It really is a small little Nook serving a perfect brew. Another little hole in the wall at North Burleigh surfclub is Nectar Espresso. Perfect for a post dip coffee with your feet in the sand. 

In Burleigh Waters you can’t go past Lakeview at 100 Burleigh Street. Popular with locals that want to avoid the crowds. 

Food, Beers, Wine and Cocktails

A huge amount of choice awaits. This Local has listed some favourites but there are so many to choose from. If you are unsure just wander up James street and around the block either side and there is sure to be something to please.

Govindas | for vegetarian take away. Hugely popular and always delicious, Govindas is a not for profit with much of the food grown organically from a nearby farm in Murwillumbah. 

Jimmy Wahs   | for modern Vietnamese

Justin Lane | for Pizza, cocktails and nightlife

Paddock Bakery | for the best cronuts, coffee and cafe food

Rick Shores  | for fancy asian fusion (DELICIOUS!) with the most stunning view you could hope for

Burleigh Baker | up the top of James St specialises in Artisan sourdough

The Little Plate  | serves just that. Little plates. Of the highest quality food. Great for a date or a night out with the girls

Ze Pickle | for Burgers. You can’t go past the Pulled Pig or the Maple Smoked Brisket!

Burleigh surf club or North Burleigh Surfclub are great spots for sundowners and a bite to eat.

Burleigh Pavillion is a little more upmarket but not snobby. The view is almost too perfect you think you’re on holidays on a fancy greek island.

Rosellas is a small bar with great food, wine and cocktails. It is here you can get a vegemite waffle washed down by “Fantales”…… choc espresso martini. 

Nightjar is one of those hidden bars all the kool kids go too. In an alley near Justin Lane – great for a few drinks when you don’t want the night to end. 

Exercise

Nothing beats a run, walk, cycle or roll along the Burleigh esplanade. From the bottom of the hill at Miami (Burleigh side) to the gates and back is a perfect flat 5km. If you’re running or walking don’t miss a little adventure through the headland which has a couple of different trail choices. Either follow the flat trail around the headland for an easy walk/run with stunning views or venture up the headland through a trail that takes in some breathtaking views and a little more burn on the legs. You end up at Tallebudgera creek which is worth a dip. 

The Gold Coast has low cost exercise options which anyone can turn up to. Check out the signage along the fence from North Burleigh Surf Club to Burleigh Surf Club. You will usually find a mid week outdoor yoga class for about $5.

Burleigh Beach that stretches up to the Miami Headland is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world. Find a patch of sand with your name on it and settle in for a great day. Surf, ski, bodyboard, paddleboard or just bury yourself in some sand. 

Outdoor Adventures

Surfing or swimming in the salty goodness that Burleigh is famous for. You will always feel better for it. 

Want to learn more about Burleigh’s Aboriginal history? Head to Jellurgal Aboriginal Centre on the southern side of the headland just before Tallebudgera Creek for a guided “Jellurgal Walkabout” tour.  Recommend booking in advance. 

In the back suburban streets of Burleigh along Burleigh Street is the Burleigh Knoll Conservation Park. Get lost amongst the trees in a forrest in suburbia. No dogs allowed sorry. 

Next to the Burleigh Knoll Conservation park along Burleigh Street is a kids bike track. Good for little ones to learn some skills. There is also kids play equipment there and next door an off-lead dog park. 

Sunrise

Sunrise at the beach is stunning. Gold Coasters typically get up early so don’t be surprised to see the beachside esplanade pumping by 5:30am especially in summer to exercise before it’s too hot.

Unique Experiences

Burleigh State School hosts farmers markets every Saturday from 7am. It’s a busy farmers market with plenty of fresh locally grown produce that tastes just that bit fresher and delicious. On the first and third Sunday of each month the same Burleigh State School hosts the Village Markets from 8:30am – 1pm where you can poke your way through the stalls of local creatives with their own products. Often it is the place to launch a small business and you can grab a high quality bargain.