Burleigh Heads National Park: Oceanview Walk is the perfect place. Backyard Tourist

IF you’re not much of a fitness fanatic, but still want to see spectacular views without leaving the Coast or donning hiking boots, I’ve got good news. I’ve found the perfect walking track for you.

Burleigh Head National Park. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

IT’S been five months since one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful walking tracks was closed because of falling boulders — but it has finally reopened.

Burleigh Heads National Park’s Oceanview Walk is ready to take walkers again.

NEVER MISS A MINUTE WITH THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN APP

Entry and lookout at Burleigh Head National Park on Gold Coast.

I for one became excited hearing the announcement this week, as it is always a challenge finding somewhere I can stroll at snail’s pace and where my partner won’t complain about the track being too long.

Oh, and it also needs to have spectacular views.

So tick, tick and tick. It is in fact, the perfect walk for the lazy.

But really, the ticking doesn’t stop there, because this place has it all.

View of the park from Tallebudgera Creek in Burleigh Heads

The paved Oceanview Walk is one of the city’s most famous — and for good reason.

It has a pathway easy to follow — and is wheelchair accessible — winding itself around the headland, beginning at Goodwin Terrace.

Stunning views across the ocean await as you stroll past eucalypt trees, pandanus groves, mangroves and rainforest.

Be mesmerised by the waves crashing against the rocky outcrops and keep an eye peeled for whales passing by. And even dolphins.

View from Burleigh Heads National Park. Photo: tinka_bell — Instagram

My favourite bit about the walk though is its ability to transport you to a world away without actually leaving the Coast.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR $3 A WEEK

Instead, you’re in the heart of one of the southern region’s most popular places — but it doesn’t feel like that.

And the walk isn’t too long or arduous, with 1.2km being perfect for someone who never goes to the gym or wears hiking shoes (like myself).

The headland is also important for a range of flora and fauna, so expect to see brush turkeys, bearded dragons, butterflies, birds like white-bellied sea eagles or kites, and even the odd carpet python hanging around.

DISCOVER

View from Burleigh Heads. Picture by Scott Fletcher

THE history of Burleigh Heads is quite fascinating.

The name Burleigh Heads actually originated as Burly Head in 1840 after government surveyor JR Warner because it was a large headland.

By the 1880s, the name had changed into its present form.

And by 1886 the area was set aside as a Reserve for Public Purposes, meaning others could enjoy its beauty.

According to the National Parks and Forests website, the headland survived three subdivision proposals before changing its status to a national park.

The area is also culturally significant for the local Aboriginal people.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO

Aboriginal Culture presenters L-R Luther Cora and Aaron Henderson with L-R Brittany Long and Krystle Buffington of Coomera.

SOAK in the history of Burleigh Heads with a side trip to Jellurgal Cultural Centre.

Located on the opposite side of the headland, it’s the perfect place to take a break from your walk before heading back.

There are a number of tour options available, such as a two-hour tour including an ochre ceremony and learning about traditional life before settlers arrived.

For those who have a full day to devote to Burleigh, the full-day tour begins in Jellurgal and ends at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

All tours must be pre-booked.

EAT AND DRINK

Be Somewhere Cafe at Burleigh. Ultra Clean Bowl with locally smoked salmon. Picture: Jerad Williams

THIS cafe is aptly named for Burleigh Heads. If you want to run a cafe, where would you rather be?

The Be Somewhere Cafe has a range of nourishing, healthy and delicious plates to choose from.

Think charcoal brioche buns with spinach, bacon and eggs, and the vegetarian-friendly green breakfast with poached eggs, avocado, toasted sourdough and sauteed spinach and kale.

You can sit outside, grab takeaway and there’s also gluten-free options.

Open 7am until 2pm every day.