- Duration
- 3.5 km on foot, ~2 hours (≈ 3 h 32 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk
- Start
- Burleigh Beach & Justins Park
- Finish
- James St dinner strip
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- Set out 1.5–2 hours before sunset; June–November whales show off Tumgun lookout
- Budget per adult
- Free; dinner on James St à la cartePrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
G:link to Burleigh Heads, then on foot. 50 cents.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Burleigh Beach & Justins Park~15 min at the stop
Lawns under pandanus and pines right by the sand, with a view of surfers riding the famous wave that breaks along Burleigh headland.
Tip: Locals drift in with rugs and baskets towards evening: guaranteed picnic mood.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 15 min · 1.1 km
2. Oceanview track entrance~10 min at the stop
From the end of Goodwin Terrace the Burleigh Head National Park track rounds the headland between palms and basalt boulder fields.
Tip: Sections may close temporarily after severe weather due to rockfalls. Check park alerts; the boulder fields by the water are off-limits.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 12 min · 0.8 km
3. Tumgun lookout~20 min at the stop
A perch on the headland's southern flank: the Tallebudgera estuary below, and humpbacks blowing offshore in winter and spring.
Tip: Bring binoculars in migration season: whales often pass close to the head.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 13 min · 0.9 km
4. Burleigh Hill: sunset on the grass~30 min at the stop
The grassy hill above the point break. The Gold Coast's signature sunset spot, with the sun dropping behind the Surfers Paradise skyline.
Tip: The best patches of grass go half an hour before sunset. Arrive a little early.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 7 min · 0.5 km
5. James St dinner strip~1 h 30 min at the stop
Burleigh's main street: bistros, pizzerias, bars and gelato: the strip the whole southern Gold Coast gravitates to.
Tip: Book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.