Burleigh Head National Park

Park Coastal headland park with rainforest and surf

A coastal headland on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Head contains rainforest pockets, cliff-top walking tracks and surfable beaches below; locals use the park for short hikes and sunrise viewing.

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Burleigh Head National Park is a compact coastal national park on the Gold Coast in Queensland that protects a volcanic headland and a patch of coastal rainforest. The park is a popular local reserve for short walks, photography and coastal viewpoints.

Trail options are short and clearly marked, linking a headland lookout, rainforest gullies and coastal rock platforms. The headland provides panoramic views along the coastline and across nearby surf breaks, making it a frequent stop for photographers and walkers.

The area was set aside to protect the remnant rainforest and coastal headland vegetation and has been managed as a national park to preserve native flora and fauna while providing public access along defined tracks.

The park is located at Burleigh Heads in the Gold Coast urban area of Queensland, on the seaward side of the coastal suburb and adjacent to Burleigh Beach.

  • Trails and lookouts: Short, well-formed walking tracks and headland lookouts give panoramic coastal views; the park is compact and suitable for 30-minute to half-day visits.
Burleigh Head National Park
Burleigh Head National Park, Gold Coast, Queensland - at the southern end of Burleigh Heads beach, accessible from The Esplanade
-28.0940, 153.4583
Daylight hours (year-round)
Free (national park entry); vehicle or camping permits may apply

How to Get to Burleigh Head National Park #

By public transit: TransLink buses from central Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise stop near Burleigh Heads; from the Burleigh Heads CBD it is a short walk to the park. By car: The Esplanade provides street parking and small public car parks; heavy weekend traffic is common.

Tips for Visiting Burleigh Head National Park #

  • Walk the Rainforest Circuit early in the morning to catch bird activity and avoid afternoon surf crowds.
  • The coastline is rugged; stay on marked trails and heed signs about rockfalls and strong currents.
  • Local surf breaks attract experienced surfers - watch from a safe distance and keep children away from unpatrolled beaches.

Best Time to Visit Burleigh Head National Park #

Winter and spring offer the most comfortable conditions for coastal walks; summer brings crowds and heat.

Winter (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 12-22°C
Dry and mild - excellent for walking the headland and coastal trails.
Spring (September-November)
Sep-Nov · 15-25°C
Wildflower season and pleasant weather for hikes.
Summer (December-February)
Dec-Feb · 20-30°C
Warm, humid and busy with beachgoers; afternoon storms possible.

Weather & Climate near Burleigh Head National Park #

Climate

Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1561 mm/year), wettest in February.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (197 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°

Weather

197 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
19° 28°

Weather

196 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 27°

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 21°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 26°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 28°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 29°

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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