24-hours in the place to be: an essential Burleigh Heads itinerary

As one of Australia’s most sought-after and stunning seaside locations, Burleigh Heads is jam-packed with attractions of the natural, culinary, and entertainment varieties. With so much to see and do, visitors would do well to spend a few days in town, but for those in a hurry, here’s the best way to spend 24 hours on the ground. 

Wake up here…

While there’s no shortage of hotel, apartment, and housing options for those wishing to stay locally, Ambience on Burleigh Beach boasts a winning combination of luxury, location, and amenities that’s hard to beat. With 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments on offer, spectacular views, and generous balconies, you’ll really feel the style, and spirit of the region at all times of day.

Early morning…

Get up with the birds to begin your day the right way—with a hike through lush and beautiful Burleigh Heads National Park. The walk is an easy 2.3km over and back, and the best part is you can stop for a dip at gorgeous Tallebudgera Creek on the other side of the hill before returning home. 

Breakfast…

Time for a fuel up. Commune Café on the Gold Coast Highway is a local favourite for its ace coffees and broad range of breakfast plates perpetually streaming out of the tiny kitchen. You can’t go wrong with eggs benny or one of the delicious wraps.

Late morning…

Next up, the waves are calling! Burleigh Beach is rightly regarded as one of the best in the country for swimming, surfing, and picturesque relaxing. Why not try your hand at a surfing lesson or simply soak up the sun (hat and SPF 50+ on, of course!)?

Lunchtime…

When it comes to iconic Burleigh locations, surfside diner Rick Shores is quite simply the fairest of them all. Request a table by the windows to enjoy uninterrupted sea views and be sure not to miss the dish that put this culinary superstar on the map, the Rick Shores Moreton Bay Bug Roll. 

Post-lunch…

Time to work off those calories the best way we know how… shopping! James Street has evolved into a bustling town hub, forever abuzz with an enticing and eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, homeware stores, and a steady flow of visitors. Don’t miss Maison & Maison for exotic homeware, Kivari for easy breezy women’s fashion, and Sean Scott Gallery for showstopping photographic art.

Afternoon…

Options. You can either pull up a rug on Burleigh Hill and enjoy the sunset and a spot of people watching, or else head to the Burleigh Pavillion for drinks, dancing, and a rotating line-up of resident and visiting DJs. illHil

Dinner…

Finally, round off your day at what is arguably Burleigh’s top table, Labart, where European-inflected menus and sensational local produce unite to create culinary fireworks. 

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