Burleigh Heads
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Burleigh Heads is a highly exposed right-hand point break on the Gold Coast, known for long, consistent rides and famous performance sections along the headland. Wave quality is described as world-class, with rides that can link multiple areas down the line. Conditions are strongly tied to southeast to east-southeast swell, and the spot is noted as holding substantial swell, including very heavy, expert-only scenarios on larger days. Safety is a major factor: the lineup includes rocks and sharks, with additional hazards from strong currents and heavy crowding. Surf etiquette and respecting patrolled swimming boundaries are emphasized, and the “Burleigh Sweep” is specifically highlighted as something you may need to manage for extended periods even during a single session. Operationally, expect difficulty around access and logistics—launching/paddling involves rocks and the cove/point, launch difficulty is described as difficult, and parking is extremely limited on weekends and during good swell. Best chances for favorable conditions are reported in June, and the broader seasonal picture points to autumn and winter for more consistent swell and offshore wind.
- Long right-hand point rides along the headland
- Multiple sections including Sharkies, The Cove, and The Point
- Can hold massive swells up to very large sizes, with heavy expert-only outcomes
- Rocks and sharks in the hazard profile
- Iconic right-hand point break with long, consistent rides along the headland.
- Often delivers world-class barrel sections with multiple named parts.
- Exposed, rock-and-surge conditions increase risk if you get it wrong.
- Strong “Burleigh Sweep” can make paddling exhausting and slow entries/re-entries.
- Heavy crowds, especially during peak periods and major swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, W, SSW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Best described as gradient offshore conditions for surfing; Gemini also notes light morning land breezes followed by afternoon sea breezes.
- Reliability
- Moderate for offshore conditions
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July
- Shadow Zones
- The headland provides some protection from South and Southeast winds at the Cove.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Mixed
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Sources also describe larger, heavyweight conditions on bigger swells.
- Launch
- Small — Jump off the rocks at the Cove or the Point, or paddle out from the beach.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Launch and paddling are described as difficult due to rocks and current.
Through the year
High year-round, but peaks during summer holidays and major swells.
Late summer (January to March) often brings higher rainfall and occasional tropical cyclone activity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Fairly exposed right-hand point break with long rides along the headland. Known for multiple sections including Sharkies, The Cove, and The Point, with advanced, barrel-heavy rides.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE, ESE
- Swell Height
- 0.6–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Works on all tides, but low to mid is often preferred for barrel sections.
- Shelter
- Exposed — A fairly exposed point; headland can offer some protection at the Cove for certain wind directions.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest and West winds are clean offshore; South winds are side-offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds massive swells up to 4 meters, creating heavy, expert-only conditions.
- Wave Quality
- World class
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Barreling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Long performance rides along the headland; can connect multiple sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can connect across multiple sections from the outside point down into the beach.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Burleigh Heads in the full forecast view.
Burleigh Heads wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- NNE30°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2512 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 18–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Burleigh Heads is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.9–1.8 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Submerged rocks
- Strong currents
- Heavy crowds
- Impact with other surfers
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Year-round
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Gold Coast University Hospital or Robina Hospital. Emergency services can be reached via 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Strict surf etiquette is expected; do not surf in the patrolled swimming areas.
- No surfing between the red and yellow flags.
- Personal watercraft restrictions in the surfing zone.
- Watch the locals jump off the rocks to time your entry.
- Prepare for a long walk back along the beach after a long ride due to the sweep.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Gold Coast
- Nearest Town
- Burleigh Heads
- Parking
- Parking is extremely limited, especially on weekends and during good swells
- Access
- Easy access via the Gold Coast Highway with paths leading to the headland
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, apartments, and surf hostels within walking distance.
- Food & Drink
- Burleigh Pavilion and plenty of cafes along James Street.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at local surf shops in Burleigh town; rentals are also described as widely available at major beach hubs.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops offer board repair services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Burleigh Heads sits within the Burleigh Headland area, combining world-famous surfing culture with nearby outdoor and family attractions.
World-renowned heritage-listed zoological garden famous for its bird feeding and native Australian animals.
Popular hiking trails offering coastal views and whale watching opportunities during the winter migration.
Gold Coast's only dedicated Aboriginal cultural center offering tours of Burleigh Headland.
Popular hiking trails offering coastal views and whale watching opportunities during the winter migration.
Iconic beachfront venue offering drinks and dining with views over the point break.
Protected turquoise waters ideal for families, swimming, and paddleboarding.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Burleigh Heads?
The best overall months at Burleigh Heads are March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, July.
Which wind directions work at Burleigh Heads?
Burleigh Heads works with S, SW, W, SSW winds.
What skill level is Burleigh Heads suitable for?
Burleigh Heads suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.