Burleigh Heads National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Queensland

Burleigh Heads National Park

Burleigh Heads National Park, located on the Gold Coast, offers a stunning coastal environment with lush rainforests and panoramic ocean views, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor activities.

National Park1652+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

165

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Burleigh Heads National Park

Burleigh Heads National Park, located on the Gold Coast, offers a stunning coastal environment with lush rainforests and panoramic ocean views, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Burleigh Heads National Park is a protected area located on the Gold Coast's enchanting coastline. The park covers an area of 67 hectares and is renowned for its unique combination of eucalyptus woodlands and rainforest. This biodiversity hotspot provides a habitat for a variety of bird species and native wildlife, including the endangered glossy black cockatoo. Established to protect the volcanic headland and surrounding natural features, the park is a haven for hikers and surfers alike. Key trails offer sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, with lookout points providing perfect vantage spots to observe migrating whales during winter. Its historical significance is highlighted by the presence of ancient aboriginal middens and remnants of early European settlement, giving visitors insight into the area's rich cultural heritage. With its varied recreational opportunities and scenic beauty, Burleigh Heads National Park is a must-visit destination for those keen to explore the natural beauty of Queensland.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Burleigh Heads National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Oceanview Track - offering breathtaking views of the Pacific and a lookout for wildlife✦ The rainforest circuit - a short walk showcasing diverse plant species and vibrant bird life✦ Tumgun Lookout - a renowned spot for whale watching during migration season✦ Jebbribillum Bora Ring - an aboriginal stone arrangement with significant historical value
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Burleigh Heads National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Burleigh Heads National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Burleigh Heads National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Burleigh Heads National Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Burleigh Heads National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Burleigh Heads National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees are required, free access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Burleigh Heads National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia
⌖ 0.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia

Burleigh Heads, Queensland, is a premier coastal destination boasting world-class surfing, scenic rainforest hikes, and peaceful paddleboarding. Perfect for outdoor adventurers looking to combine beach thrills with hinterland trails.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Miami, Queensland
⌖ 1.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Miami, Queensland

Miami, Queensland offers sun-soaked beaches, great waves for surfing, calm waters for paddleboarding, and scenic cycling along the coast, making it a vibrant spot for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Currumbin, Queensland, Australia
⌖ 3.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Currumbin, Queensland, Australia

Currumbin is a vibrant Gold Coast town where surfing, hiking, and wildlife encounters combine. From thrilling ocean breaks to peaceful creek paddling and lush hinterland trails, it’s a top spot for outdoor adventurers.

Autumn and Winter
Explore Town
Herbert Vale, Queensland
⌖ 3.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Herbert Vale, Queensland

Herbert Vale offers a peaceful rural escape in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, perfect for gentle hikes, cycling, bird watching, and camping. Ideal for travelers looking to enjoy quiet outdoor time surrounded by farmland and nature.

Autumn to Spring
Explore Town
Robina, Queensland, Australia
⌖ 4.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Robina, Queensland, Australia

Robina, Queensland, offers a dynamic blend of outdoor adventure and urban ease with biking trails, serene kayaking routes, and scenic green spaces just steps from a thriving town center on the Gold Coast.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Broadbeach, Queensland
⌖ 4.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Broadbeach, Queensland

Broadbeach is a sun-soaked coastal town on Queensland’s Gold Coast, perfect for surfing, paddleboarding, cycling, and beach running beside shimmering ocean views.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Burleigh Heads National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Burleigh Heads Break: 90 Minutes to Your First Wave
ADVEXPEDITION
Burleigh Heads, Queensland
SurfADV Bookable

Burleigh Heads Break: 90 Minutes to Your First Wave

A 90-minute adult group surfing lesson at Burleigh Heads that teaches paddling, standing up and catching waves while covering vital ocean safety—ideal for beginners through intermediate learners.

SurfPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Advanced Class: Shore-to-Wave coaching at Palm Beach with ASA
ADVEXPEDITION
Palm Beach, Queensland
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Advanced Class: Shore-to-Wave coaching at Palm Beach with ASA

A focused, two-hour advanced surf coaching session at Palm Beach that combines in‑water drills, beach coaching and video analysis to push experienced surfers past plateaus.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip