You don’t even need to dig the hiking boots out for this one! Grab your hat, a water bottle, and a walking buddy and hit the sand for a mini Gold Coast adventure.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the land traditional lands of the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region, who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Views of world-famous surf breaks (and sometimes surfers, too!)
  • Spotting wildlife along the way
  • Can be easily adapted to suit any adventurer

Getting Your Nature Fix in the City

Starting from the beautiful Burleigh Headland, this walk takes you on a gentle tour of the southern Gold Coast. The whole walk is on either paved footpaths or sand and is fairly flat. The first section is through a shady rainforest track with information boards along the route detailing the Aboriginal history of the area. Take the lower track if you don’t fancy the hilly route. 

 

 

If you have time, stop in at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the bottom of the headland for more information. Keep an eye out for koalas here as they’re often spotted in this section of trees.

Once you get around the headland and to the road bridge, follow the footpath across the bridge and take the path left towards the sand. Stroll along the beach for roughly 4km until you reach Palm Beach where you can cut back onto the footpath through the dog park and Tarrabora Reserve to cross Currumbin Creek.

Read more: Hiking Queensland’s 10 Great Walks In 10 Days

 

 

After crossing the road bridge on the footpath, follow the road around to the left until you get to a T-junction. Cross over the road and carry on south towards the sand. Walk down the hill along Duringan Street until you reach Currumbin Beach.

This is a great spot to have a quick swim, watch the surfers, and have a picnic lunch. After your break, join the beachside footpath along Pacific Parade which will take you the whole way to Snapper Rocks, 9km to the south. 

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

 

But before you reach Snapper, there’s a lot more to see. You’ll pass no less than eight surf clubs, most of which have a refreshing bevvy and ocean views waiting for you (some also serve food). You’ll pass more excellent surf breaks and, on the right day, a chance to watch some excellent surfing too. Kirra Point is a great place to stop under the shady gazebo and watch the waves roll in.

Further south as you reach Greenmount Surf Club and turn left to follow the path around the headland you’ll get another chance to check out the surf, but also keep a look out for water dragons, brush turkeys, and ibis strolling through the trees. If you’re here between June and November, turn your eyes to the horizon and watch for whales migrating!

Read more: Chasing Gold Coast Hinterland Waterfalls

 

 

As you come through the trees of the headland and out into Rainbow Bay you’ll be met with what’s possibly my favourite Gold Coast view. The waves breaking on Snapper Rocks with the surf club in the background and Gold Coasters enjoying the best of the sunshine state’s weather. Stroll on down and treat yourself to a well-earned beer or two as you watch the sun go down over the Gold Coast hinterland (sunsets here are best in winter).

 

Essential Gear

  • A Go Card for the bus home
  • Water
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimmers and a towel – with the warm, clear waters of the Pacific lapping at your toes, you might want to stop for a quick dip.

How To Get There

The 700 bus goes from Griffith Street in Coolangatta all the way to Broadbeach. Depending where you’re coming from and need to get back to, you can hop on the bus anywhere along the route to get back home after the walk. 

It currently runs 24-hours a day, every seven minutes at peak times, but check the timetable for up-to-date info before you set off. If you’re from out of town and want to make a weekend of it there’s a campsite in Kirra, just a few kilometres from Snapper Rocks, and a campsite in Burleigh Heads, right opposite the beach. 

Skill Level

Beginner 

While this is an easy route it’s not pram or wheelchair friendly because it dips down onto the sand. You can adapt the walk and stick to the road through the sandy sections to make it more accessible. Alternatively, you could start from Currumbin to avoid the sandy section.

Distance Covered / Duration

16.5km / 3-5 hours