BEST OF THE GC – BURLEIGH
From coofee nooks to highclass dining, we take a look at the hottest hangouts in one of the Coast’s favourite beachside suburbs
From the feeling of a sunrise surf to the raucous chorus of lorikeets returning to roost in giant Norfolk Pines, Burleigh has a way of getting into your blood. Its old-school arcades, iconic point break and precious parkland contribute to its village vibe, suggestive of a simpler, sweeter time.
A saltwater start is a must, but if you’re not prepared to tiptoe through basalt boulders to paddle into the line-up with some of the Gold Coast’s surfing greats you could always pop into the pool on the beachfront.
You won’t need to change out of your togs to join the friendly line at hole-in-thewall Nook Espresso and get to know the locals (two and four-legged) while you wait for your coffee.
Say hi to owners Paola Pearse and Marcus Wilkins for me (and I think I owe them a fiver if you wouldn’t mind?).
For breakfast, take your pick from the cafes on treelined Connor Street, find a hidden gem in the arcades off James Street, or head outside the hub to Commune on the Lower Gold Coast Highway.
Commune’s coriander corn fritters with sweet chilli jam are a local legend.
Go ahead and order that extra muffin and call it fuel for running the stairway to heaven in Burleigh National Park (access and maps at the top of the headland).
The rainforest circuit is a 2.3km return stroll suitable for most fitness levels … and you can pretend you’re stopping to snap the smorgasbord of scenery whenever you get out of breath. Linger at Tumgun lookout for a panoramic perspective of turquoise Tallebudgera Creek and watch white-bellied sea eagles surfing the currents.
As the afternoon melts into evening, picnickers take over the hill.
If you manage to actually nab a park along the busy beachfront on a sun-soaked afternoon, you should probably stay put (and buy a lotto ticket). Fortunately, once you’ve spread your blanket everything you need is at your fingertips.
For me, the ocean outlook spells fish and chips and Red Hot Cod has you covered with their signature cardboard-boxed meals.
While it’s not the most obvious combo, they also sell to-die-for duck spring rolls and nasi goreng.
The shop is just across the road from pastel-powered Oh My Waffle, which will make all your dessert dreams come true. Ask for the Let’s Get Lit! and they’ll hook you up with golden waffles swimming in melted Whittaker’s chocolate, toasted marshmallows, crushed biscuits, Maltesers, whipped cream and ice cream ... if you can get it back to
your picnic blanket before it melts you should probably be hanging out with the sprinters over at Carrara Stadium.
For something a little more fancy, find yourself some actual footwear (going-out thongs don’t count) and book into Rick Shores. With surfers slicing through the waves metres from diners, it’s got to be the bestlocated restaurant in Queensland. Buy as many bug rolls as your budget allows.
Long after the rowdy lorikeets have gone to bed in Justins Park, the creatures of the night emerge in the alley of the same name. You’ll need to text a mobile number before being granted entry to the speakeasystyle Lockwood to join the hipsters sipping a sophisticated catalogue of spirits.