Burleigh is the Gold Coast point with a headland of rainforest behind it and a reputation for the fastest, heaviest waves on the coast. On a solid east swell with a southerly wind, it throws long barrels across the cove, and the line-up fills with some of the best surfers in the country.
How Burleigh works
The wave wraps around the headland of Burleigh Heads National Park and runs down a sandbank along the boulders. Like Kirra and Snapper, the quality comes down to how the sand has settled, but the headland gives it a more consistent take-off spot than the open beaches to the north.
It needs real size from the east or south-east before it lines up. South and south-west winds blow offshore. On small days it's often just a pleasant wave at the beach end; on big days the current pulling down the point is relentless.
Getting in and out
- Most people jump off the rocks near the top of the point. Time it between sets, or you'll be washed back onto the boulders.
- The sweep runs north along the point. If you lose your board, it goes with it.
- Paddling back up against the current is part of every wave. Fitness matters here.
Who it suits
On its good days, Burleigh is for confident, experienced surfers. Beginners are better off at the beach further north or at Currumbin Alley on a small day. If you're visiting, sit wide and watch how the locals use the rocks and the current.
We don't text on a forecast. We text when the live readings for Burleigh (swell size, period, direction, wind and tide) all fall inside the window that particular break needs, and only in daylight.
Want to see what real alerts look like? Our firing board shows the spots that have actually turned on recently, with the swell and wind at the time.
Related reading: Kirra Surf Guide and Point, Reef and Beach Breaks.
Closest spot guides
- Currumbin Alley, about 6 km away
- Kirra, about 10 km away
- D-Bah, about 10 km away
- Snapper Rocks, about 10 km away
Or browse every break we cover in our Australian surf spot guides by region.
Burleigh's good windows are short.
We watch the swell, wind and tide there and text you when they line up.
Get alerts for Burleigh