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.
Burleigh Heads surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 2.2m - 3m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Burleigh Heads?
The Burleigh Heads profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Burleigh Heads?
The Burleigh Heads profile uses wind from SW (225°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 177° to 258°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Burleigh Heads?
The Burleigh Heads scoring profile favors swell from SSE (89° to 164°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3.6m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists OOL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes.
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
🧲 Gold Coast swell magnet • Punchy A-frames • Pro training ground
Main Beach
🏄 Gold Coast overflow • Uncrowded peaks • Surfers Paradise alternative
Plan a trip around Burleigh Heads
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