Basking In Burleigh: Your Breezy Guide To The Gold Coast’s Coolest Coastal Pocket
Shell Yeah
By Yana Van Der Byl | 16th April 2025Welcome to the coastal pocket where the smoothies are green, the waves are clean, and everyone somehow knows how to skateboard. Burleigh Heads is where beach days turn into long lunches, and a “quick swim” somehow ends with you barefoot at Rick Shores pretending you live here. This guide’s got all the hot spots, hidden gems, and local gold — so pack your sunnies and let’s get into it.
Eat + Drink
Paloma Wine BarSophisticated yet never snobby, Paloma is where it feels like Euro summer — minus the passport. Think natural wines, glossy snacks, and a menu that says, “yes, I’m cool and I know it.” Especially on Wednesdays, when $14 cheeseburgers steal the show.
Tarte Bakery & CafeIf Paris and Byron Bay had a flaky little love child, it’d be Tarte. Come for the famous NY bagels, stay for the sweet treats and people-watching. Hot tip: don’t leave without a choc chip cookie. You’ll dream about it.
Rick ShoresDo we even need to introduce Rick Shores? Beachfront dining. Iconic bug rolls. Unreal cocktails. Basically, your main character moment is waiting — book early and wear something breezy.
Light YearsVibrant, vibey, and deliciously loud (in the best way). This modern Asian diner is perfect for sharing plates, spicy margs, and screams girls night out.
MC Sandwich HouseMC stands for makes cravings, probably. These aren’t just sandwiches — they’re the kind of stacked, saucy masterpieces that cure hangovers and make your Instagram story veiwers jealous.
Rosella’sNostalgia meets natty wine. This Aussie-style bar serves classic comfort food with a retro twist. Think fairy bread cocktails, Jatz, and the best meat pie you’ve ever had.
GovindasFor when you’ve had three days of margs and need to realign your chakras. This vegetarian institution is hearty, wholesome, and humble. Cheap eats, full heart, can’t lose.
Paddock BakeryA Burleigh classic. You’ll smell it before you see it — wood-fired sourdough, cookie dough-stuffed doughnuts, and eggs benny that hits every time. Bonus points for the dreamy garden vibes.
Shop
Sean Scott BoutiqueThis local women’s and men’s multi-brand boutique is stocked with coastal-luxe fashion, homewares, and gifts that make you feel like you’re living the beach life, full-time.
EMTEAccessories, skincare, cute gifts, and all the “oh I didn’t know I needed that but I totally do” energy. A must for the serial browsers and spontaneous spenders.
Emporium on JamesHomewares heaven. From luxe candles to rattan everything, this place is giving coastal cool.
KIVARIFloaty dresses, earthy tones, and that effortless “I just threw this on” aesthetic. Perfect for your Burleigh-to-Brisbane outfit rotation.
St BartsStep inside and it’s instant oasis mode. This boutique nails that bohemian-luxe vibe with curated fashion, interiors, and pieces that whisper weekend in Noosa.
Play
Paint, sip, giggle, repeat. Mesi Studio is the ultimate creative night out — think vino in one hand, brush in the other, and no artistic talent required. It’s fun, relaxed, and ridiculously aesthetic.
Evra Nail SpaClean girl mani? Done. Evra is chic, calm, and seriously detail-focused. Walk out with nails so polished they could write a LinkedIn endorsement.
P3 RecoveryIce baths, infrared, compression boots — the full hot girl recovery suite. Perfect after a long surf, sweaty sesh, or too many Light Years dumplings.
Brewery CrawlThis one’s for the beer buffs (or anyone who just loves a cold one and good vibes). Hit up:
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Burleigh Brewing (local legends)
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Black Hops HQ (crafty and cool)
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Lost Palms (pink and playful)
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FIZZ HQ (for the spritz girlies)
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Precinct Brewing (great beer garden energy)
Pick a few or power through all six — we believe in you.
Stay
Mondrian Gold Coast (Opening soon)Luxe. Modern. Absolutely dripping in coastal chic. Book this one if you’re ready to live your five-star fantasy. You can make your bookings for June here.
Bujerum Holiday ApartmentsBeachfront and blissed-out. These stylish apartments sit right across from the beach, giving you a front-row seat to sunrises, sunsets, and spontaneous swims.
Imagery: @palomawinebar / @imrickshores /@tartebakery
