Overview
Burleigh Heads is a right-hand point that peels in front of Pandanus Trees National Park, throwing thick, dredging barrels over sand along a basalt boulder shoreline. It isn't as long as Kirra and the lineup can be more localised, but when the rest of the coast is closed out Burleigh often keeps holding. The setup is split into four sections, Sharkies, The Cove, The Point and Rockbreak, and they rarely all link up, though a single section can offer plenty of tube time when it lines up. The sand that lets the wave connect isn't always in place, so the shape can vary from swell to swell.
When It Works
The point draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), and it comes into its own on southeast (SE) swell, especially when there's some south in it. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, holding size well when other spots max out. Consistency is moderate, so expect worthwhile windows rather than waves on tap, and keep in mind that cyclone swells can blow holes in the sandbank setup.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) offshore wind to groom the barrels. It can work through low, mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-level wave, with a long, leg-burning ride down to the shorebreak shut-downs and a jog back up over slippery boulders before you paddle back out against the rip that drags you down the point. Many surfers paddle out from the Tallebudgera rivermouth to the south and work their way up to the point. Expect a very busy lineup when it's on.
Access
There are restrooms, showers and a surf shop on hand, and parking is paid, with metered, roadside and car park options.
