Burleigh's Best Kept Secrets

With a monumental stretch of sand and sea, and what feels like an endless Summer, Burleigh just keeps getting better. And where Mother Nature resides, the cool people and places will follow. This is our ultimate guide to visiting Burleigh, on the Goldest of Coasts – how the locals do it.

PADDOCK BAKERY. If you’re craving a Nutella cookie, that is more Nutella than cookie, then you’ve hit the right place. Wash it down with a milkshake from the milk bar under a leafy canopy or for a satisfying breakie you can’t go past the Dippy Eggs. This place is an institution and a must-see during your visit to the GC. Did we mention the Maple Bacon Toastie?

LITTLE MERMAID. Technically not Burleigh but just a skip down the road, Little Mermaid is too cute to miss. Savour a freshly brewed hand-crafted coffee served from 6:30am, whilst floating on a swinging bench among an indoor subtropical hinterland. Yes please. 

TRADER TROVE. This shop is a treasure chest that is too beautiful for words. At The Love of Grace, we send our fabric off-cuts to Trader Trove so nothing goes to waste. They use these to stuff their gorgeous ottomans. All of their products are ethically produced and just so darn pretty. 

KIRA & KIRA. You’re going to want to redecorate your entire house. Valuing true craftsmanship, every piece of furniture is handmade from start to finish locally in the Burleigh Heads workshop. Set aside at least an hour just to take it all in, and then take it all home. 

MEXICALI.  The pulled pork tacos and grilled corn sprinkled with cheese are on our list every single time. Might as well have the churros with house-made caramel sauce. When in Mexico! The quirky furniture, intricate wall coverings, exotic floor tilings and the punny light box all rate 11/10 for insta-worthiness. Just be sure to wear a bib over your polka dot dress. 

GATHER. This store is housed in a unique industrial arts precinct right next door to the fearlessly creative Dust Temple cafe in Currumbin. Every item is sourced locally and hand made in Australia. Think luscious indoor plants, scrumptious soy candles and hand-built ceramics. We like pretty things that tread lightly on the planet, thank you very much. 

HEARTFILL. “Fill your heart, not the land,” is the motto by which they live at Heart Fill. We stocked up on dried botanicals and some cute vintage Hawaiian decor. Side note: It’s around the corner from Paddock so you won’t be hangry whilst shopping. The Euphoria babydoll is perfect for brunching and browsing! 

BURLEIGH PAVILION. We might be biased but this pretty little view is arguably the best in the world. You really can’t beat this backdrop for your next Sunday sesh. 

JUSTIN LANE. Boasting the coolest rooftop bar on the Coast, Justin Lane is open ’til late for dancing under the stars. With beach views and hipster pizzas (pork belly and pear and gorgonzola, oh my!) the place has become somewhat of a legend. Don’t forget to sip the Watermelon Cooler cocktail, whilst wearing a silk dress for extra holiday vibes.