Burleigh Heads is on Queensland’s Gold Coast smack in the middle of Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise. Apparently it’s where the real surfies hang out. Move to Burleigh Heads and leave Surfers’ for the tourists. In any case, if you like your beaches with relaxed ambience and outstanding natural beauty- as well as world famous breaks - Burleigh Heads might be for you. It can get very busy there, especially on public holidays, or any day the ‘Burleigh Barrel’ is running high. It’s a laid back place in general ‘though; the Burleigh Heads lifestyle is often described as a real paradise.

The beach is outstanding. Fine white sand, views towards its high-rise cousin Surfers Paradise at one end, and Burleigh Heads National Park at the other. The landscape is distinctive for its craggy headlands, towering pines and pandanas palms. The foreshore is family friendly, with lots of barbeques, picnic areas and playgrounds. It is a surf beach though - so make sure and swim between the flags at patrolled sections. Alfresco bars and cafes dotted along the Esplanade add to the relaxed charm. Musicians sometimes gather for impromptu sessions. World class surf events hosted on the beach include the Quicksilver Pro Surf Tournament.

Burleigh Heads residents have access to several state and private schools within 7 kms at Burleigh Waters, Varsity Lakes, Miami, Reedy Creek and other neighbouring suburbs. Property in the district is comparatively affordable, with a median house price in the year to June 2010 of $547,000 compared to a regional median of $610,000. Inland at West Burleigh, just off the Gold Coast Highway, there is an excellent large shopping complex and industrial park.