Burleigh Heads Paddle Boarding: 5 Scenic Getaways and Tips

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Located on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is famous for its spectacular national park, and scenic beaches, perfect for watersport activities like swimming, surfing, and especially Burleigh Heads paddle boarding. Alongside paddle boarding, natural lovers can also enjoy their time here with the rich and vibrant culture of this place, which was home to the Kombumerri people.

DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.

Why Paddle Boarding Burleigh Heads?

Why? It’s the calm waters, the stunning coastline, and the breathtaking views!

All of them make Burleigh Heads a heaven for paddle board passionates. Paddle boarding Burleigh Heads is a chance for you to explore this iconic destination in a peaceful way. No matter your skill level, Burleigh Heads paddle boarding is a fantastic experience, with tender waves and the chance to glide through the natural beauty. It’s the ultimate adventure for you!

5 Must-Try Burleigh Heads Paddle Boarding Destinations

Yes, Burleigh Heads is THAT attractive, what are we waiting for? Just map out a whole journey to explore this place to the fullest!

Let’s plan for your Burleigh Heads paddle boarding trip with a list of some top picks in the area from fellow paddlers.

5 Must-Try Burleigh Heads Paddle Boarding Destinations

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1. Burleigh Head National Park

First on the list is the Burleigh Head National Park, which offers various stunning natural pieces, on the lush rainforest walks there, visitors would be amazed by ancient volcanic formations, diverse wildlife, and spectacular ocean views that all stand up paddle board Burleigh Heads enthusiasts would love to drop their jaw to.

Burleigh Head National Park

Source: Flickr

  • Water: gentle waters near Tallebudgera Creek and stronger waves along the northern side
  • Level: all levels
  • Launching points: Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Beach
  • Amenities: car parks, picnic areas, public restrooms
  • Unique for: rainforest walks, 6-sided basalt columns, and whale watching

2. The Cove

Tucked into the bay of Burleigh Heads, The Cove is known for its powerful and thrilling waves. Although located in a sheltered spot, which helps with the direct swells from the ocean, The Cove still provides impressive barrels for experienced paddlers to conquer their challenges.

  • Water: powerful waves with some shelter from direct swells. Exciting and manageable
  • Level: experienced
  • Launching points: the optimal spot is from the bay’s edges (where the coastline curves)
  • Amenities: picnic spots, car parks, public restrooms
  • Unique for: you can link rides with The Point (the beating heart of Burleigh Heads), and challenge yourself with sheltered yet intense waves

3. Currumbin Alley

Just off the Gold Coast Highway is Currumbin Alley, a calm and scenic suburb with diverse wildlife, stunning views, and tons of activities from forest adventures to watersports. Currumbin Alley is also a perfect place for chilled-minded paddlers to glide their Burleigh Heads stand up paddle boards across the relaxed creek waters or take some adventures with the waves awaiting just beyond.

Burleigh Heads Paddle Boarding - Currumbin Alley

Source: Freepik

  • Water: calm at the creek and big waves (waist-high to double overhead) at the beach.
  • Level: from beginners (creek) to advanced (beach)
  • Launching Points: car park at the beach, and its point break
  • Amenities: accommodations, restaurants, cafe, picnic spots, car parks, and public restrooms
  • Unique for: its wildlife sanctuary, farmhouse, a balance of smooth creek waters, and a famous point break, with scenic coastal views from Elephant Rock

4. Kirra

Between the Coolangatta and Bilinga beaches on the Gold Coast is the Kirra beach, famous for its relaxed beachside and crystal-clear waters. Kirra is heaven for Burleigh Heads paddle boarding looking for thrilling adventures and a touch of peaceful retreat on the shore.

  • Water: mix of hollow and mellow waves
  • Level: all levels near the sand line, experienced when going further
  • Launching Points: you can start from the Kirra Groyne and the Snapper Rocks
  • Amenities: picnic areas, car parking, surf shops
  • Unique for: crystal-clear waters, scenic coastal views, adventurous right-hand breaks, and historic surf culture

5. Snapper Rocks

Known for its legendary waves, Snapper Rocks is the usual starting point of the Superbank, located at the end of Point Danger on the Gold Coast. This is a perfect place for Burleigh Heads paddle boarding lovers who want to get some adventures on their paddle board and connect with the local watersport community.

  • Water: powerful waves, multiple barrel sections
  • Skill Level: intermediate to advanced
  • Launching Point: Snapper Rocks Point
  • Amenities: car parking, cafes, public restrooms, surf club
  • Unique for: a part of the Superbank, world-class waves, and professional surf competitions

When Is Perfect for Paddle Boarding Burleigh Heads?

Now, we’ve got the “WHERE” of the Burleigh Heads paddle boarding plan, how about “WHEN”?

Perfect Time for Paddle Boarding Burleigh Heads

Source: Freepik

As recommended by the surf forecast and local watersports enthusiasts, the best time to jump on your stand up paddle board is when the South-southeast swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the Southwest, this is when the water conditions tend to be clean and rideable. It’s around winter, especially June (yes, we know it might be confusing for visitors, but Aussie’s winter is actually other places’ summer).

Other Activities Besides Burleigh Heads Paddle Boarding

  • Burleigh Headland Walk: this is a wonderful outdoor activity that offers marvelous coastal scenery and an opportunity to let yourself immersed in nature.
  • Browse The Village Markets: often held on Sundays, with unique arts and crafts, alongside delicious food, this place will give you let you feel the vibrant vibe of its community’s creativity, ensure an interesting evening
  • Burleigh Heads Brewery: an authentic brewery often comes with live music, promising a memorable visit

Paddle Boarding Burleigh Heads With iROCKER

Paddle Boarding Burleigh Heads With iROCKER


It is a fact that Burleigh Heads paddle boarding promises a premier experience for paddlers, with its stunning scenery of nature, so many activities across the town, and the water conditions varying for all skill levels. Just remember to plan your trip around winter (especially June) for the best rides on board, and be sure that you have your personal inflatable paddle board ready, for top-notch quality and convenience.