Getting Around · Transport
Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads
8 km south of Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads is the Gold Coast’s most beautiful suburb. Here’s every way to get there.
Burleigh Heads is consistently ranked among Australia’s most beautiful beach suburbs, and it’s only 8 kilometres south of Broadbeach. The headland walk, the point break surf, James Street’s cafes, and Burleigh’s national park make it one of the Gold Coast’s must-do day trips — and it’s very easy to get to from Broadbeach.
The most popular route is the beachfront walk — a 4 km coastal path that’s flat, paved, and scenically spectacular. But there are faster options if you’d rather arrive fresh.
Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads
- Distance: 8 km by road, 4 km beachfront walk to the headland
- Bus: 25–35 minutes, ~$3.50 with Go Card (route 700/706/TX7)
- Walk (beachfront): 60–75 minutes, flat and stunning
- Taxi/Uber: 15–20 minutes, $20–30
- Bike: 25–35 minutes along the beachfront path
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (route 700/706) | 25–35 min | $3.50 (Go Card) | No car, easy access |
| Walk (beachfront) | 60–75 min | Free | Scenic experience, fit visitors |
| Uber/taxi | 15–20 min | $20–30 | Convenience, groups, late return |
| Hire bike | 25–35 min | $10–20/hr hire | Active, flexible stops |
| Drive + park | 15–20 min | Free–$5/hr parking | Families with gear |
The Beachfront Walk — Best Way to Experience It
The beachfront walk from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads is genuinely one of the Gold Coast’s great experiences. The paved path runs along the sand from Kurrawa Beach all the way south — you’ll walk through Mermaid Beach, Miami, and Nobby Beach before arriving at the Burleigh headland.
Distance and time: About 7–8 km from central Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads National Park. Allow 75–90 minutes at a comfortable pace, or 55–65 minutes if you’re walking briskly.
What you’ll see along the way:
• Mermaid Beach — quieter, residential, good for a swim break
• Miami Marketta (night markets on Thursdays and Fridays)
• Miami Beach — great surf break
• Nobby Beach — locals’ favourite neighbourhood cafe strip
• Burleigh headland — the payoff: national park, point break, and panoramic views
Best time to walk: Early morning — sunrise over the ocean is spectacular and the path is quiet. Or late afternoon to arrive at Burleigh at golden hour.
By Bus
The coastal bus route connects Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads along the Gold Coast Highway. Routes 700, 706, and TX7 all service this corridor.
Catching the bus: Stops along the Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach. The trip takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Cost: ~$3.50 with a Go Card (tap on/off). A Go Explore daily pass ($10) covers unlimited travel including buses and trams.
What to Do When You Get There
Burleigh Heads is worth the trip. The highlights:
• Burleigh Heads National Park: Free coastal bushwalk around the headland with views north to Surfers Paradise and south to Coolangatta. Takes 45–60 minutes.
• James Street: Burleigh’s cafe and restaurant strip — some of the Gold Coast’s best brunch spots. Cardamom Pod, The Collective, and Harry’s are local favourites.
• Burleigh Point: Watch world-class surfers ride the legendary Burleigh point break. During a swell, it’s spectacular.
• Justin Park: Large park behind the beach with BBQs, playgrounds, and calm swimming between the flags.
Tips for the Broadbeach to Burleigh Trip
Walk the beachfront path to Burleigh in the morning (scenic and easy), then catch the bus or an Uber home in the afternoon when you’re tired. Best of both worlds.
Burleigh’s James Street is best on a weekend morning for brunch. Arrive before 10am to beat the crowd. The walk down from Broadbeach gets you there at the perfect time if you leave at 8am.
Burleigh point break is world-class when it’s working — but it needs a decent south-east swell. Check Swellnet or Coastalwatch before you go if you want to see it firing.
If driving, arrive before 9am on weekends or you’ll be circling for 20 minutes. The Justin Park carpark and Gold Coast Highway street parking fill quickly on busy beach days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burleigh Heads is 8 km south of Broadbeach by road. The beachfront walk is approximately 7–8 km and takes 75–90 minutes. By bus it’s 25–35 minutes; by Uber or taxi 15–20 minutes.
The bus (routes 700, 706, or TX7 along Gold Coast Highway) takes 25–35 minutes and costs ~$3.50 with a Go Card. You can also walk the beachfront path (75–90 min, free and scenic) or take an Uber ($20–30, 15–20 min). Many visitors walk one way and bus or Uber back.
Yes. A paved beachfront path runs from Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach all the way south to Burleigh Heads — about 7–8 km, taking 75–90 minutes at an easy pace. The walk passes through Mermaid Beach, Miami, and Nobby Beach with ocean views the entire way.
Absolutely. Burleigh Heads is one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful and popular suburbs — the national park headland walk, the legendary point break surf, and the James Street cafe strip make it a highlight of any Gold Coast trip. It’s only 8 km from Broadbeach and easy to reach.
Stay in Broadbeach, Explore the Gold Coast
Broadbeach puts Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and the whole Gold Coast within easy reach.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.