Burleigh Heads: beach, food & pampering

Enjoying a glass of Pinot Grigio at Rick Shores oceanside restaurant, Burleigh Heads

Overview

A far cry from the raucous glitter strip of its northern counterparts, Burleigh Heads is the hipster and more relaxed part of the Gold Coast in Queensland and more akin to its bohemian counterpart of Byron Bay in NSW, only an hour away. You’ll also find Coolangatta and Tweed Heads nearby, as well as the gorgeous NSW Northern Rivers, including the quaint town of Newrybar: there’s really so much to explore in this region! Burleigh is carving out its own niche as a bohemian yet chic beach town that has a hub of fashionable retail, weekend markets, an established brunch scene and the beginnings of fine-dining culture.

There’s a casual flair to this place that’s reflected in its high waves and surf culture, surrounding national parks and Sunday afternoon picnics by the beach. Yet behind the scenes, Burleigh offers a strong selection of fine dining restaurants, rooftop bars and luxurious day spa options.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Lens Cap Chronicles (@thelenscapchronicles)

The luxurious Greenhouse the Bathhouse day spa in Burleigh Heads

Itinerary

Friday

Brunch: Paddock Bakery

Trust me when I say that Paddock needs to be on your itinerary. If you have only one brunch in Burleigh, make it this one.

Paddock is an institution on the Gold Coast and is steeped in history and heritage. The whitewash weatherboard building alone has her own story. As a desolate old Queensland home, she sat unused for years until being relocated from Redcliffe to Burleigh, after which time she has been remarkably restored and renovated into the structure that is home to Paddock Bakery today. The wood fire oven was built from antique red bricks collected from around Australia and the copper light fittings are old chocolate bowls from the original Darrell Lea factory.

With a barn and a loft, outdoor seating and a leafy garden, Paddock instills the feeling of being on an old country homestead, with fresh locally sourced produce compiled into an extensive menu that will have you salivating in your seat!

Earth & Skin Massage/ Treatment

Start your trip with sheer luxury at Earth & Skin! You’ll be pampered and spoilt: there’s no better way to commence a holiday on the Gold Coast! See my post on The Gold Coast Glitterstrip for details.

Relax on Burleigh Beach

Whether it’s sitting on the lawns on a picnic blanket or (safely) sunbathing on the sand, Burleigh Heads is an energetic place and there’s a hum in the air. However there are definitely calm spots to sit and relax on the beach and the great thing about the Gold Coast is that for much of the year, the water is warm enough to swim in. You’ll see surfers in their ‘wetties’ at all times of year but don’t assume that means the water is warm!

Miami Marketta

Ok so this is 3km away from Burleigh, however the Miami Marketta is not to be missed! Open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-10pm, this local market has a vibing atmosphere with live music and international food stalls that will get you in the mood for your night out!

Dinner: Mr Hizola’s

Mr Hizola’s is a Burleigh institution: delicious contemporary Cantonese meals delivered to your table beneath colourful paper lanterns! I just LOVE a restaurant with an amazing ambience and this place will take your breath away from the street as you walk in!

L: Mr Hizola’s from the street
R: Inside mood of Mr Hizola’s

On top of that, the food is extraordinary! We chose the ‘Emperor’s Feast’, which allows a choice between various smaller plates and larger dishes for your table to share. We went with:

Edamame (lotus root chips are also available)
Pork Belly Bao with pickles & Szechuan aioli
Xia Long Bao Dim Sum (Soup Dumplings)
Spiced Pepper Squid with fried shallot & chilli
Steamed Fish Fillet with ginger & shallot
Duck Breast with pancake & Canton sauce
Chow Fun Rice with vegetables & XOXO sauce
Zhejiang cauliflower with spiced sesame dressing

The sumptuous feast comes at only $55 per head and is one of the most reasonably priced and filling meals you’ll find. Combined with their famous chilli margaritas, it’s a definite non-miss on the itinerary!

Drink: Rosella’s

This small bar institution in Burleigh is always jam packed at the end of an evening and offers some refined Australiana-themed fun. Expect some iconic Australian cheek whilst being served the likes of jaffles with vegemite, cheddar and wattleseed butter, as well as fresh local oysters with native finger lime and shaved macadamia delivered on ice inside an esky. The drinks list is equally as nostalgic with their signature cocktail containing Australian bitters, rosella jam, lemon and lilly pilly, as well as options such as Zooper Dooper spritz and lamington espresso martinis. The cocktails showcase locally made gins such as Pure Cane from Husk and Brookies from Cape Byron Distillery (see my post on Byron Bay for tours and information). The beers and wine are all-Australian!

Pro Tip!
Commemorate your evening by picking up a frisbee in their merchandise section to use tomorrow at the beach!
a classic Australian kid’s toy!

Looking in the open street view window at Rosella’s

Saturday

Brunch: Commune Cafe

A favourite amongst locals, Commune has a vintage feel, with old festival posters adorning the walls of this art deco building that was once an old butcher’s shop, comfy couches, stressed wooden furniture, leafy creeper vines on the walls and retro metal framed outdoor settings. The menu has a focus on organic food and you’ll find burgers, sandwiches, muffins and savoury breakfast options all served on impeccable pottered plates.

Boutique shopping or Burleigh Farmers Market

Burleigh has some great shopping options that have something for all.

In the boutique stakes, you’ll find the likes of Emte, Sean Scott Boutique & Bird on a Wire, amongst others. Take a walk in the favourite fashion hub of James Street to make some great discoveries!

The Burleigh Farmers Market is open ‘rain hail or shine’ from 7am every Saturday. You’ll find fresh farm produce, organic fruit and vegetables, gourmet and global foods, meat, fish, deli products, hot coffee, bakery treats, fresh flowers, plants, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles… I’m out of breath! Don’t miss the live entertainment!

Black Hops Brewery

Their website proclaims: “Beer, made by 3 mates on the Gold Coast”. Dan, Eddie and Govs made their first Black Hops beer, the Eggnog Stout, in 2014 and since then, have gone from strength to strength: now touting a team of 30+ employees, a brewery and a taproom in Burleigh Heads and Biggera Waters, and more importantly, landing their beer in 1000+ venues and bottleshops around Australia!

Don’t miss the chance to try a tasting paddle at their original brewery in Burleigh Heads, where you can choose 5 of the 14 beers on tap. Yes it’s late morning but there are no rules in Burleigh.

Lunch: Rick Shores Set Menu

For aesthetics and a complete immersion in the sea and all things ocean, make sure to book the window table at Rick Shores. You’ll have the high crashing waves on your footstep and close range vision of those gnarly surfers.

Rick Shores has a location that is second to none. It is hovering so close above the water that in 2006, a strong storm with swells of up to 4 metres completely flooded and ransacked the opulent interior which has now been substituted for a minimalistic, barebones outfit in the case such a devastating event should recur. Don’t be fooled though: the views are just as incredible and the food, wondrous. For this reason, lunch trumps dinner at this venue and the photographers amongst us will leave with some winning shots.

The menu offers a selection of Pan-Asian flavours focusing on fresh, locally sourced produce, with many dishes designed to share. Our table welcomed the likes of:

Be prepared to feel extremely adequately satiated at Rick’s. You definitely won’t walk out hungry!

Drink: The Pavilion

If you’re a Sydney-sider, think Merivale Group. The Pavilion drums up an ambience akin to the Coogee Pavilion or The Newport: it’s modern, funky, tropically-themed and always draws a crowd.

It’s stunning beach side location and floor to ceiling open windows is the perfect place to sit with friends and enjoy a post meal drink, right next door to Rick Shores.

Beach Walk / North Burleigh Lookout

The Rick Shores menu is hearty and filling and you’ll need a breather before dinner. I’d suggest spending the afternoon with a leisurely beach walk or if you have the energy, walking up to the North Burleigh lookout for some fab views across the coastline.

Pro Tip!
If you’re short on time but an avid photographer, drive to the top of North Burleigh look out for some top shots.

Dinner: Justin Lane

It’s impossible to visit Burleigh without overhearing someone talking about Justin Lane. Vital to the weekend nightlife, this precinct is a multi-level restaurant, bar and event space. Eat your weight in sourdough pizza and handmade pasta and enjoy signature cocktails, boutique wines and 8 beers on tap in the large rooftop bar overlooking the beach.

Pro Tip!
Head to the weekly #pizzaparty to see local DJs spinning some killer sets.

Sunday

One of the most aesthetically appearing brunch spots in Burleigh, this spot serves up fresh seasonal produce amongst hanging ferns and wooden benches. The coffee is to die for and the all day breakfast is delicious and as instagrammable as they come! Find your spot amongst the ferns within the arcade.

The Village Markets

The Village Markets is a boutique fashion and lifestyle market, created with the intention of providing a platform for creative small businesses to launch their brands, showcase their products and connect and collaborate in a positive, innovative and unique environment. On offer are clothing labels, bags, flowers, coffee and anything insta-worthy with style! The market is open on the first and third Sundays of every month at Burleigh Heads State School , from 8.30am to 1pm.

Lunch and spa massage: Greenhouse the Bathhouse

I was so excited to visit this modern styled bathhouse located at the mouth of the Tallebudgera Valley after a colleague had been and described her extravagant afternoon of pampering and bathing. My parents arranged for a gift voucher for my recent birthday and I’ve never felt more relaxed leaving a venue in my life. Delivering a communal rejuvenation space and treatments, Greenhouse the Bathhouse offers various packages which include various combinations of massages and soak sessions in a variety of pools, spas and steam rooms. Open Wednesday through to Sunday, their popular dreamy white-washed venue is available by appointment only so be sure to lock in your date early on their website.

I treated myself to a luxe 60 minute full body massage and a 90 minute ‘soak’ session which allowed access to all facilities. My time was spent in the hydrotherapy spa, next in the steam room infused with essential oils, followed by a short stint in the sauna and then a dip in the cool magnesium plunge pool. This was all completed with some reenergising time on the sun deck and lounge. With an option to add a delicious plant-based lunch and complimentary champagne or kombucha, this experience is one I’ll never forget and may I please remind you to…

Treat Yourself!

Thanks Mum and Dad for the best birthday present!

Pro Tip!
Don’t forget to rehydrate with the variety of organic hot teas and cold water on offer.

Alternate option: Lunch at Canteen Kitchen & more beach time or NP walk

If you’re not a day spa person (consider becoming one!) or just prefer the sounds of nature more than a hedonist approach to life, then this next option is for you.

Canteen Kitchen is recognised as one of Australia’s premier espresso bars and located in the famous James Street region of Burleigh Heads. Dishing up food that showcases a modern take on traditional Middle Eastern flavours, you’ll find mix and match menu items such as cumin scrambled eggs with lamb kofta, eggs benedict with za’atar turkish bread, green harissa and goat’s feta on sourdough, grilled haloumi and labneh creamed spinach with poached eggs; and pistachio and quinoa tabouli, za’atar flat bread with baba ganoush. When I first moved to Coolangatta, I was told not to miss the Portugese tart from their selection of freshly baked patisseries and how grateful I am for that suggestion!

Spend the afternoon on the beach or on one of the hiking trails in the compact Burleigh Head National Park.

Sunset drinks on Burleigh Hill

You can’t go past the iconic sunset drinks at John Laws Park aka Burleigh Hill. People circle in their jazzed up utes until they find a spot that allows them to reverse parallel their cushioned trailers into the perfect position to enjoy a vino as the sun sets. If you don’t own such a vehicle, find a spot on the grass to throw your picnic blanket, mingle with old and new friends, and enjoy one of nature’s best shows as the sun goes down in a blaze of glory.

Dinner: Labart

For a magical evening with a loved one or close friends, you can’t go past Labart.

Its French bistro style decor is intimate, its staff personal and its food, fit for a king. Their tasting menu has a distinctly pescatorian vibe however the Labart team is willing to substitute for any dietary restrictions or preferences. Myself and my friends remarked how adequately satiated we felt after their 8 course tasting menu, without feeling over full or inebriated from the paired wine list (don’t miss Stefano Lubiana’s 2015 biodynamic Tasmanian riesling).

It was all done inexplicably well, on par or exceeding many of my two and three hat Sydney favourites. From the opening ‘snacks’ to the cheeky yet professional waiter to the open plan kitchen and charcoal grill, this was a night to remember.