Justins Park

Justins Park sits on the Esplanade at Burleigh Heads, right by the beach in one of the Gold Coast's coolest and most beloved suburbs. A lovely beachfront park, it's a much-loved spot — combining open green space, picnic and barbecue areas and shaded spots with easy access to the famous Burleigh beach and the start of the headland walk nearby.

The appeal is that combination of a prime beachfront setting and relaxed parkland: somewhere to picnic, relax or watch the surfers with the sand and sea right there, and the buzz of Burleigh's cafes and the national park headland close by. It captures the laid-back, beach-and-park lifestyle that makes Burleigh so popular.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,400 reviews, it's a firm favourite. The park is free and open year-round, but facilities and any events vary, and it gets busy on warm weekends and over holidays, so it's worth checking the surrounds before a special trip — and taking sun protection — though for a casual picnic, a barbecue or a relaxed day by the beach, you can generally just turn up and enjoy it.