Joey's Guide To Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads is the Gold Coast’s laid-back surf hub, where perfect point breaks meet grassy hill picnics, food trucks, markets, and ocean-view bars. It sits between some of the Coast’s most beautiful beaches. From the long golden stretch of Palm Beach to the sheltered coves of Tallebudgera Creek, with turquoise water perfect for swimming and paddle boarding.
The iconic Burleigh Headland walk links rainforest tracks to lookout points over crystal waves, with dolphins and surfers below. Backpackers love Burleigh because it’s more local and chilled than Surfers Paradise, but still close to all the action. It’s the perfect stop for travellers who want beaches, sunsets, surf culture, and good vibes — without the chaos.
Stay Eat Explore
Where to stay
Backpackers love Burleigh for its relaxed, surfy vibe. It's more local and chilled than Surfers Paradise but still close to all the action. It's got beaches, markets, nightlife, and national park walks all within walking distance. Burleigh it’s the perfect base for travellers wanting good vibes without the chaos.
Surfers Paradise, QLD
Surf Inn
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise with great access to beach, bars and nightlife.
Surfers Paradise, QLD
Maxmee Backpackers Gold Coast
A fun, social hostel with a pool and great communal areas, offering budget-friendly dorms right near Surfers Paradise’s beaches and nightlife.
Where to eat & drink
Burleigh is packed with beachside cafés, food trucks, and ocean-view bars. Start your day with coffee at local favourites like Paddock Bakery. Grab casual eats at Miami Marketta or Freddy’s. Then wrap up with sunset drinks at Burleigh Pavilion or The Tropic overlooking the waves.
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Burleigh Pavillion
A beachfront bar and eatery at Burleigh Heads offering fresh seafood, creative cocktails and sweeping ocean views that make it perfect for sunset drinks by the sea.
"Great for an afternoon drink and a fun night" - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
"Come here for sunset beers and a steak" - Oscar, Fairfield, QLD
"Great for a feed and drinks" - Robby, Noosa, QLD
"Great for a sunset drink" - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
"Cant go past the Burleigh Pavillion, one time we saw daft punk play was nuts" - Connor, Noosa, QLD
"Good spot for the best views" - Cooper, Noosa, QLD
"You can’t go past this place for a drink, right on the waters edge watching the waves crash onto the rocks, nothing beats it!" - Reid, Noosa, QLD
Broadbeach, QLD
The Loose Moose
A buzzing speakeasy-style bar and eatery offering comfort food, craft beers, and cocktails in a fun, vintage Americana setting.
"Great for a drink" - Kelsey Rau, Noosa Heads, QLD
"Great for small meals or share meals whilst having a drink, there Kentucky Buffalo Wings are to die for!" - Reid, Noosa, QLD
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Freddy’s Chicken Shop
A cool, no-frills spot serving crispy fried chicken, tasty sides, and easy grab-and-go feeds with that signature Freddy’s vibe.
"Great sandwiches" - Harrion, Noosa, QLD
Miami, QLD
Miami Marketta
This indoor‑outdoor market has a buzzing vibe with street food, live music and plenty of options under A$15‑20, perfect for backpacker dining.
"This market is so cool, I personally love the Saturday night as there is heaps of food options, live music and cool vibes. They are also open on Wednesdays and Fridays." - Gabby
Palm Beach, QLD
Jefferson Coffee
A laid‑back café spot serving excellent coffee, baked goods and cold‑pressed juices in a bright, relaxed setting just steps from the beach.
"One of the best locations to sit and enjoy a morning brew with friends." - Jamie
Palm Beach, QLD
Frida Sol
On Thursdays you’ll find tacos for just A$5 each, making it a great spot for a budget‑friendly and fun
"Unreal Mexican food with happy hour!" - Gabby
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Paddock Bakery
A charming, cottage-style bakery serving fresh pastries, creative brunch dishes, and great coffee in a lush garden setting.
"The pastries!!! Great place for a yummy and easy take-away breakfast." - Jamie
Byron Bay & Broadbeach
Costa Taco
A lively taco bar known for cheap margaritas, casual street-food style tacos, and a fun social vibe that’s perfect for backpackers.
"Love costa taco, well priced feed cold beers !!" - Jimmy, New Jersey
Where to explore
From sunrise walks through Burleigh Head National Park to surfing the famous point break, floating in Tallebudgera Creek, or wandering nearby beaches, Burleigh is built for easy adventure.
Burleigh National Park Walk (Coastal Track)
A stunning oceanfront walking trail winding through Burleigh Head National Park, with rainforest, cliffs, and some of the best coastal views on the Gold Coast.
"Ocean views and whale watching in winter" - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers
Wicked Nightlife Tours Pub Crawl
Only $55 for the tour.
"Well, that was so much fun. Definitely worth the headache the next day.!!" - Penny lee, Perth
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Surfing Lessons
Join a budget surf lesson in Surfers or Burleigh — heaps of backpackers learning together
"We had an awesome time doing these surf lessons so helpful these beaches are amazing !!" - Wayne, Perth
Tallebudgera Creek, QLD
Tallebudgera Creek
For swimming and paddle boarding, Also great for a relax and swim if the beach is too much.
"Great spot for your morning swim!" - Cleo Smith, Adelaide
Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD
Tambourine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is a beautiful place full of nature, parks, and a lively community of artists and farmers. You can explore the famous Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, see Cedar Creek Falls, and walk along trails with amazing views. There are also...
"Incredible scenery" - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
