There’s beauty in Burleigh

Rebecca Males heads further up Queensland’s Gold Coast to Burleigh Heads.

Heard of Burleigh before? Nope? Well, neither had I, but along with Coolangatta, Burleigh’s another hidden hotspot which offers up a totally different serving of the Gold Coast. It’s found 10 minutes north of Coolangatta, so it’s a little closer to the rest of the coast’s attractions. However, it’s pretty easy to stay there all weekend.

“This is just glorified pub food, really. Isn’t it?”, my dad asked. However, he also said it was the best burger he’d had in ages.

STAY

There aren’t many ‘hostels’ as such in Burleigh, it seems to be more of a splurge location.
Go halfsies on an apartment with some friends… cause… yolo? Wotif has some handy deals for under a hundred bucks.

EAT
Pigs & Pints

1823 Gold Coast Highway
Burleigh Heads, Queensland 4220
Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm – Late
Ph: (07) 5535 8805
http://pigsandpints.com.au/

This place is actually hidden behind the petrol station; however, what the location lacks the restaurant more than makes up for – if you can call it that.

“This is just glorified pub food, really. Isn’t it?”, my dad asked. However, he also said it was the best burger he’d had in ages. If you aren’t familiar with sliders, they’re the tiny little burgers, usually made with slow cooked meat. And Pigs & Pints do them very, very well. I can recommend all of them (yep, we ordered them all), but may I suggest that you accompany them with the horseradish gems, smoked chips and pickled salad.

Obviously, you should be washing them down with one of the many craft beers on offer. The Pale Ale was light, zesty, and not too hoppy. Bring your friends, and start your night out in the outdoor seating area. Intimate, not too noisy, and some downright tasty food.

Also recommended: Zab Isan (Thai Food), Oskar’s (excellent location, even better seafood)

PLAY

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in nearby Currumbin is great, if you’re into that. However, it tends to be geared towards tourists and kids.

For a real bit of wildlife, as soon as you get to Burleigh go for a walk around the headland. If you’re feeling very adventurous, go off the beaten track, and climb up the rock face (but if you fall and die, Yak didn’t tell you to climb up there). There’s a beautiful point that isn’t on the trail; however, from here you can see all the way down to Coolangatta, and all the way up to Surfers Paradise.

There is a surf spot off the headland and whilst you are here you may as well try SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) in the Creek.

Whatever you do, end your day on the headland. The air is perfumed with sea salt and barbecues, and the waves are an excellent backdrop to your afternoon beers. This is where everyone’s hanging out, before they head up to the Surf Club, Justin Lane Pizzeria & Bar, or Swell Tavern for a little bit of acoustic.

Image: Michael Dawes