Best trails in Burleigh Head National Park
This small but scenic park is about 90 km south of Brisbane and features the Burleigh Headland. The headland itself has very steep sides that rise up about 80m from the ocean below. The walls were formed long ago from molten lava flowing all the way to the ocean, which have been carved out over time by ocean waves.
The park is home to many diverse plant and animal species along with a variety of landscapes in its small 27ha size. In the park you'll find rainforest, eucalypt forest, tussock grassland, mangroves, coastal heath, beaches, rocky foreshore, humpback whales, ospreys, and sea-eagles all sharing the natural landscape.
Aboriginal people have lived in the Burleigh area for countless generations. Sites on Burleigh headland and Tallebudgera Creek are important to the Traditional Owners, the local Aboriginal tribe known as the Minjungbal people.
Top trails
- (855)•Easy•1.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis nice easy walk begins at the rocky headland of Burleigh Head National Park and takes in spectacular ocean and city views along a wide shared path. Start the walk on the ocean view track and take in the sweeping views of the Gold Coast as the track follows Tallebudgera Creek inland before joining the rainforest circuit. Enjoy the change of scenery through eucalypt forest and a few short hills as the track winds back to the carpark. Take a few minutes to stop at both the Tumgun Lookout...
- (221)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Rainforest Circuit is a popular trail within Burleigh Head National Park, located in south east Queensland just south from the Gold Coast. This looped route begins and ends from the parking area at the Jerrugal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, accessible from the Gold Coast Highway. There is one steep section along this otherwise easy track, around the halfway mark near Tumgun lookout. If you're here during winter or spring this lookout is a good spot to watch for humpback whales splashing...
- (94)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Oceanview Track skirts around the rocky eastern coastline of Burleigh Head National Park. The trail leads you from Tallebudgera Creek to the southern edge of Burleigh Heads township. There's a nice spot at Echo Beach where you can relax by the creek for a picnic or just to enjoy the view. This route can be started from either end and there are car parks at either end.
- (74)•Moderate•2.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrA beautiful trail located not too far south from the Gold Coast in south east Queensland. This out and back route begins and ends from the parking area for the Jullurgal Aboriginal Centre, accessible via the Gold Coast Highway. Begin by following the Oceanview Track up through the Burleigh Head National Park alongside the water. Return via the same track and then cross over the Tallebudgera Creek Bridge. The second section of this trail takes you up the other side of the creek to the top of...
- (69)•Moderate•5.8 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrSoak up the stunning Gold Coast views on a bushwalk around Burleigh Headland, a path that hugs the coastline between the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek and the famous Burleigh surfing break. This track is a real gem, offering a mix of shady rainforest and sunny ocean lookouts. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales splashing past in winter and spring, or white-bellied sea eagles catching the breeze overhead. You might also spot a cheeky brush-turkey or a water dragon sunning itself on the...