Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is the Gold Coast's most intense wave—a powerful right-hand point that breaks over a boulder-strewn headland, producing thick barrels and high-performance walls. Unlike the sand-bottom points to the south, Burleigh has more grunt and handles bigger swells. The takeoff is critical, the inside section is shallow, and the local crew is one of Australia's most notorious. The setting is beautiful: a national park headland, pandanus trees, and perfect morning glass when conditions align. It's a proving ground for Queensland's best surfers.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (148°)
- Direction range
- 89° - 164°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 177° - 258°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Burleigh Heads?
Burleigh Heads works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Burleigh Heads?
Offshore wind at Burleigh Heads blows from the SW (225°). Anything in the 177° to 258° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Burleigh Heads?
Burleigh Heads wants SSE swell (89° to 164°) between 1m and 3.6m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Burleigh Heads?
The main season at Burleigh Heads is May-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct. Winter best. Handles bigger swells than other Gold Coast spots.
How do I get to Burleigh Heads?
Fly into OOL, then allow about 25 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Burleigh Heads?
Burleigh Heads is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct
Winter best. Handles bigger swells than other Gold Coast spots.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Kirra
🏆 Australia's barrel queen • Superbank's finishing move • Sand politics drama
Greenmount
🌅 Superbank connection • Coolangatta icon • Headland right-hander
Superbank (Maxing)
🌊 2km connected rides • Cyclone swells only • 500-surfer zoo
Snapper Rocks
🦘 Superbank starting point • 2km rides possible • Gold Coast icon
Duranbah
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Main Beach
🏄 Gold Coast overflow • Uncrowded peaks • Surfers Paradise alternative