BURLEIGH HEADS: WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & PLAY IN 2025
Burleigh Heads is the beating heart of the southern Gold Coast — a blend of surf, sunshine, and seriously good food. From world-class dining and buzzing bars to local markets and coastal walks, there’s always something to explore. Here’s your curated guide to the best of Burleigh, all within easy reach of Arvia Villa Koala Park.
10/30/20254 min read
Image: The Tropic. Supplied by the company's website
EAT
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Rick Shores
Website: https://www.rickshores.com.au
Address: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.5 km)
Summary: A beachfront icon serving pan-Asian flavours and the famous Moreton Bay bug roll. Book ahead for sunset dining.
Restaurant Labart
Website: https://www.restaurantlabart.com.au
Address: 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1.2 km)
Summary: Modern Australian fine dining with a produce-driven menu and minimalist elegance.
Justin Lane
Website: https://www.justinlane.com.au
Address: 1708–1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1 km)
Summary: A Burleigh institution known for woodfired pizzas, rooftop cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Jimmy Wah’s
Website: https://www.jimmywahs.com.au
Address: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1.1 km)
Summary: Contemporary Vietnamese dining with standout sashimi and a dedicated vegetarian menu.
The Tropic
Website: https://www.burleighpavilion.com/the-tropic
Address: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.5 km)
Summary: Mediterranean-inspired plates and ocean views at Burleigh Pavilion’s signature restaurant.
Commune Café
Website: https://www.communeespresso.com.au
Address: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.3 km)
Summary: A Burleigh classic with retro décor, organic eats, and vibrant community vibes.
Social Brew
Website: https://www.socialbrew.com.au
Address: 34–36 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1.1 km)
Summary: A relaxed café with a five-bean coffee blend, hearty breakfasts, and plant-based options.
Tarte Bakery & Café
Website: https://www.tartbakery.com.au
Address: 1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.4 km)
Summary: Artisan pastries, croissants, and New York-style brunch in a chic, European-inspired space.
Next Door Espresso
Website: https://www.instagram.com/nextdoorespresso
Address: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 5 min drive (2 km)
Summary: A breezy, Mediterranean-inspired café serving Moonshine Coffee and fresh breakfast dishes.
Paddock Bakery
Website: https://www.paddockbakery.com
Address: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 5 min drive (1.9 km)
Summary: Famous for its cruffins, dippy eggs, and lush garden setting — a must-visit Burleigh icon.
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DRINK
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NAÂMi
Website: https://www.instagram.com/naami_burleigh
Address: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1.1 km)
Summary: A hidden cocktail bar with Vietnamese flair, live DJs, and two-for-one cocktails on Thursdays.
Burleigh Pavilion
Website: https://www.burleighpavilion.com
Address: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.5 km)
Summary: Beachfront bar with panoramic ocean views, signature cocktails, and a laid-back coastal vibe.
Malibu Racquet Club
Website: https://www.instagram.com/maliburacquetclub
Address: 1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.4 km)
Summary: A chic, California-inspired bar offering raw dishes, fine wines, and elegant cocktails.
Burleigh Heads Bowling Club
Website: https://www.burleighbowls.org.au
Address: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.3 km)
Summary: A local favourite for barefoot bowls, live music, and hearty bistro meals.
Local Burleigh
Website: https://www.instagram.com/localburleigh
Address: 1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.4 km)
Summary: A traditional pub with classic comfort food and a welcoming, no-frills vibe.
The Surf Club Burleigh Heads
Website: https://www.burleighsurfclub.com.au
Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.5 km)
Summary: Oceanfront dining with classic surf club meals and unbeatable coastal views.
E.L.E (Everybody Loves Everybody)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/eleburleigh
Address: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1.1 km)
Summary: A neon-lit modern bar with Japanese izakaya bites and a message of inclusivity.
Paloma Wine Bar
Website: https://www.palomawinebar.com.au
Address: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1 km)
Summary: From the team behind Restaurant Labart, this award-winning wine bar offers refined small plates and world-class wines.
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THINGS TO DO
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Burleigh Headland Walk (Jellurgal)
Website: https://www.jellurgal.com.au
Address: Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 5 min drive (1.8 km)
Summary: A scenic coastal walk with rainforest trails, ocean lookouts, and cultural heritage significance.
Learn to Surf – Godfathers of the Ocean
Website: https://www.godfathersoftheocean.com
Address: Burleigh Beach, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.5 km)
Summary: Surf lessons for all ages and levels, run by local pros on Burleigh’s iconic waves.
The Village Markets
Website: https://www.thevillagemarkets.co
Address: Burleigh Heads State School, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 3 min drive (1.2 km)
Summary: Boutique markets featuring local designers, vintage fashion, and artisan goods every first and third Sunday.
SUP in Tallebudgera Creek
Website: https://www.goldcoastpaddlesports.com.au
Address: Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 6 min drive (2.5 km)
Summary: Hire a paddleboard or kayak and explore the calm, turquoise waters of Tallebudgera Creek.
Burleigh Hill Picnic
Address: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 4 min drive (1.5 km)
Summary: Pack a picnic and enjoy panoramic ocean views from Burleigh Hill — a sunset favourite among locals.
Burleigh Brewery Crawl
Website: https://www.burleighbrewing.com.au
Address: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Distance: 7 min drive (3.5 km)
Summary: Explore Burleigh’s craft beer scene with stops at Burleigh Brewing, Black Hops HQ, and Precinct Brewing.
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CREDIT & DISCLAIMER
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This article is adapted from Urban List Gold Coast’s original feature:
“What To Eat, Drink And Do In Burleigh Heads”
https://www.theurbanlist.com/goldcoast/a-list/things-to-do-burleigh
All credit to Urban List Gold Coast for their expert recommendations.
Arvia Villa Koala Park proudly references Urban List as a trusted local guide for discovering the best of Burleigh Heads.
Disclaimer: This is an adapted summary of Urban List Gold Coast’s editorial content. Distances are approximate from Arvia Villa Koala Park (2/6 Beelyu Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220). Please check each venue’s website for current hours, menus, and availability.
Original article credit: Urban List Gold Coast
https://www.theurbanlist.com/goldcoast/a-list/things-to-do-burleigh
