Visiting Burleigh Head safely
The headland is an important refuge for many animals.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Mark Simmons
Getting there and getting around
The park is at Burleigh Heads, which is on the Gold Coast, 90km south of Brisbane. If travelling from Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway, take exit 89 and drive into Burleigh Heads. Turn right onto the Gold Coast Highway.
To reach the northern entrance of the park, turn off the Gold Coast Highway into Goodwin Terrace. The car park is at the end of Goodwin Terrace.
To reach the southern entrance of the park, turn off the Gold Coast Highway at the traffic lights immediately north of Tallebudgera Creek.
Access to Echo Beach is by designated stairways only.
Important access information
Access to the cliff line boulder fields, including Cannon Rock, and the steep slopes between the Oceanview track and boulder fields is prohibited. Observe the restricted access area signs on the Oceanview track and Rainforest circuit , and stay on the formed walking tracks.
Mangrove shoot.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Use sun protection, carry water and stay on the walking tracks at all times.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Wheelchair accessibility
The Oceanview track offers wheelchair assisted access. The other tracks within the park are not wheelchair-accessible.
Staying safe
Be prepared, even on short walks, and judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out.
To enjoy a safe visit to this area, please:
- Wear a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes with good grip.
- Stay together and keep to designated walking tracks.
- Walk during daylight hours.
- Walk with one or more friends.
- Always supervise children.
- Always take drinking water.
Rockfalls and unstable boulders
Massive hexagonal columns of basalt can be observed on the top of Burleigh headland with boulders scattered down the steep slope and piled at the ocean shoreline. The movement of boulders is an ongoing natural geological process and there is increased risk of rockfall during severe weather.
Rockfalls continue to occur at Burleigh Head National Park with potentially life-threatening boulder falls occurring in 1998, 1999 and 2014.
For your safety, please note the following access restrictions:
- Access to the cliff line boulder fields, including Cannon Rock, and the steep slopes between the Oceanview track and the boulder fields is prohibited. Observe the DANGER boulder fall zone restricted access area signs along the Oceanview track and the Rainforest circuit , and stay on the formed walking tracks. Penalities apply.
- A section of the Oceanview walking track is closed during periods of increased risk to visitors in accordance with recommendations from the most recent geotechnical assessment.
The section of Oceanview walking track that is most vulnerable to rock and boulder falls will be closed when the following conditions exist or are expected:
- high winds
- high rainfall
- low temperature, and
- fire.
Do not take stupid risks—obey the closures and stay on walking tracks.
While exploring the headland remain on the walking tracks. The boulder areas are geologically unstable. Climbing on, scrambling over and jumping on boulders increases the risk of dislodging them, endangering your own life and the lives of others.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
Wear a hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing to protect you from the sun.
Opening hours
For your safety, walk in Burleigh Head National Park in daylight hours only.
Permits and fees
Permits are required for commercial activities and organised events within the park.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Burleigh Head National Park.
Climate and weather
The Gold Coast has a mild, subtropical climate. Daily temperatures range from 20 to 28°C in summer and from 11 to 21°C in winter.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Burleigh Heads and at other centres on the Gold Coast. For more information see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.