A fresh chapter – Burleigh’s beloved foreshore is getting a makeover
Few places on the Gold Coast are as instantly recognisable as the stretch of sand, grass and Norfolk pines that make up the Burleigh Heads foreshore. It’s where sunrise swims turn into coffee dates, where picnics drift into sunset sessions, and where locals and visitors alike come to press pause and soak up the view. Now, the city is preparing to give this much-loved pocket of coastline a refresh, with plans unveiled under the Burleigh Heads Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
At the heart of the Burleigh Heads Foreshore Revitalisation Project proposal is a major upgrade to the existing seawall, which has quietly protected the foreshore for more than 40 years. Recent investigations have found that a full reconstruction is needed to safeguard the dunes and parklands from erosion, large swells and extreme weather.
The concept plan also outlines a suite of upgrades designed to improve how people use and enjoy the space, including wider and more accessible sections of the oceanway, new picnic and barbecue facilities and a proposed pedestrian promenade beneath the iconic pines at Justins Park. Over at Rudd Park, options include a swimming lagoon or playground, paired with a bike and scooter track.
The revitalisation would extend across Justins Park, Mowbray Park, John Laws Park and Rudd Park, with the view to create a more connected and user-friendly foreshore experience from end to end.
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Acting mayor Mark Hammel says the project is about protecting what makes Burleigh special, while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of a growing community.
“Burleigh Heads foreshore is one of our city’s most iconic destinations,” he says. “This is an opportunity to enhance safety, accessibility and amenity, while preserving the much-loved coastal character that sets it apart.”
The proposal will see the carparks at the top of Burleigh Hill relocated to Goodwin Terrace and Rudd Park to create more open space for community use, with no reduction of parking in the precinct.
Community consultation is open from February 3–24, 2026, giving residents and visitors the chance to review the plans and share their thoughts on how Burleigh’s foreshore should evolve. Whether you’re a dawn dipper, a weekend stroller or someone who treats this stretch of coast as their outdoor living room, this is your chance to help shape its next chapter. To have your say, head here.