Echo Beach - The Hidden Gem of Burleigh Heads

People enjoying craft beers at Burleigh Brewing Co

Nestled away in the lush Burleigh Heads National Park lies a secluded beach that feels like a local secret. Known as Echo Beach by the locals, this pristine shoreline on Tallebudgera Creek is a peaceful oasis perfect for a morning stroll or family beach day.

Finding the Hidden Beach

To access Echo Beach, begin at the top of Goodwin Terrace near the famous Burleigh Heads beachfront. Enter the national park and stay right to take the scenic coastal trail. Meander through pandanus palms and take in ocean vistas along the rocky cliffs. After about 15 minutes, you'll reach a fork in the trail. Veer left down the path to emerge onto the quiet beach, with its powdery white sand and calm, clear waters.

Alternative Rainforest Trail

For a more shaded jungle trek, take the inland rainforest trail, with its canopies of trees and staircases winding through the hilly terrain. Pause at Tumgun Lookout for panoramic sea views before descending through the forest. Stay left at the fork to reach Echo Beach. The roundtrip hike takes around 30 minutes.

Echo Beach Highlights

This secluded shoreline has much to offer. Wade into the gentle, waveless creek perfect for swimming. Comb the beach for interesting shells. Listen for bird calls echoing from the forest. Spot wildlife like lizards, bush turkeys, and maybe even a passing dolphin offshore. Early mornings are ideal to soak up the peaceful vibe before others arrive.

Safety Tips

A few precautions will ensure an enjoyable excursion. Always bring water and wear shoes suitable for hiking. Watch for snakes that may be sunning on the trails. Though inviting, be cautious of swimming too far out where currents can be hazardous. And when gates are closed across the coastal path, it means conditions are unsafe to proceed.

Natural Beauty

This serene landscape continues to enchant visitors as it did the indigenous Kombumerri people, who called this rocky peninsula Jellurgal. The enveloping tranquility transports you to a place far from the bustle of the nearby tourist mecca. For a revitalizing nature escape, just follow the locals to the sanctuary they affectionately call Echo Beach.