Burleigh Head National Park is a small headland park on the Gold Coast with a rainforest circuit, a coastal track and some of the best views of the coast. It is free to visit, and the walks are short enough to fit around a swim at Burleigh Beach.
The park sits on a volcanic headland between Burleigh Heads Beach and Tallebudgera Creek. You can see the Surfers Paradise skyline from the north side and the creek mouth from the south side. Burleigh Heads Beach is about 200 metres from the hilltop park.
Walks in Burleigh Head National Park
There are two main walks. Both start from the hilltop at John Laws Park, and the Oceanview Walk can also be started from the creek end. Council lists the two circuits, ocean-view and rainforest, at 2.3 and 2.4 km return.
Oceanview Walk
This track follows the rocky coast between the southern edge of Burleigh Heads township and the southern park entrance near Tallebudgera Creek. Allow about 30 minutes one way. You can walk back the same way or loop back over the hill on the Rainforest Circuit.
Parts of the track can close before, during and after severe weather because of the risk of rock falls. Queensland Parks asks you to check its park alerts before you go. Stay on the track: the boulder fields, including Cannon Rock, and the steep slopes above them are off limits, and penalties apply.
Rainforest Circuit
This loop climbs through remnant rainforest and brings you out at the Tumgun lookout. It starts from the hilltop at John Laws Park, at the Goodwin Terrace end. Wear shoes with grip and bring water.
What you will see
The headland is volcanic. It began forming 23 to 25 million years ago when the Tweed Volcano was active, and the dark basalt boulders along the shore are part of that story. The park protects remnant rainforest and mangrove forest, with dry eucalypt forest on the western side and pandanus palms and native hibiscus on the seaward slopes.
Wildlife includes brush-turkeys, brahminy kites, sea eagles, koalas, lace monitors, echidnas and rainbow lorikeets.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
At the southern end of the park, at 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the Gold Coast’s only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre. It is owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community. It acknowledges the Kombumerri, Bullongin, Wanggeriburra, Birinburra, Mununjali and Minjungbal peoples, and the wider Yugambeh language-speaking group, as Traditional Custodians.
The centre runs guided tours, including the Jellurgal Walkabout, which takes about 2 hours. See its website for tours, times and bookings.
Is Burleigh Head National Park dog friendly?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the park, except along the shared path, and rangers can fine people who bring them in. Dogs on a leash are allowed in nearby Justins Park, but not in its children’s playground; see our Burleigh Heads Beach guide for the rules.
Planning your visit
- How long: about 30 minutes for the Oceanview Walk one way, longer if you add the Rainforest Circuit. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for both.
- Best time: early in the day, before the car parks fill and before the heat builds.
- Cost: free entry. Some parking is paid.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat and shoes with grip.
- Facilities: public toilets, including accessible and Changing Places toilets, are next to Burleigh Pavilion. There is a playground, barbecues with a sink at the lower end, two sheltered picnic areas, drinking fountains and a viewing deck with a telescope.
- Walking safely: stay on the marked track, walk in daylight, and check park alerts for closures.
Getting there and parking
Burleigh Head National Park is about 90 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 75 minutes by car without traffic.
The Goodwin Terrace end is the easiest start. There are many parking bays along Goodwin Terrace and a small car park at the end of the road, next to John Laws Park. Burleigh Heads has metered parking, some Goodwin Terrace meters take card only, and fees and time limits apply on public holidays, so read the signs.
For buses, plan your trip with the Translink Journey Planner.
More detail is on council’s John Laws Park page and metered parking page. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Burleigh Heads Beach – patrolled swimming, a playground and the rock shelf at the foot of the headland.
- Essential Tips for Hiking Trails in South East Queensland – what to carry on the tracks.
- Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens – a flat, shady walk if the hill is too much.
- Gold Coast Aqua Park – an inflatable water park for the kids.
- Tallebudgera Creek – A calm, tidal creek at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast with swimming, parks, a playground, paddling and a patrolled beach next door, about 90 km by road from the Brisbane CBD.
Browse more national parks or everything on the Gold Coast.
Quick answers
Is Burleigh Head National Park free?
Yes, entry is free. Some parking nearby is paid.
How long does the Burleigh Head National Park walk take?
The Oceanview Walk takes about 30 minutes one way. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours if you do both walks.
Can you take dogs to Burleigh Head National Park?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the park, except along the shared path.
Where do you park for Burleigh Head National Park?
On Goodwin Terrace or in the small car park at the end of the road. Some meters are card only, so read the signs.
Are there toilets?
Yes, next to Burleigh Pavilion, including accessible and Changing Places toilets.
Is the Oceanview Walk ever closed?
Yes. Sections can close before, during and after severe weather because of rock falls. Check Queensland Parks’ park alerts before you go.
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