The area now known as Burleigh Heads was first described by Robert Dixon, during a survey of the coastal areas between the Clarence and Brisbane Rivers. The name chosen by Dixon for the prominent headland was Burley Head, with the alternate spelling coming into more common usage over time. Underestimating its future popularity, these early surveyors labelled the locality and other coastal lands as "useless dune country" and the idea of open sea bathing was not to become widely accepted until after 1900.One of the first activities said to have been undertaken on the beach at Burleigh was horse racing, with the wide firm sand an obvious advantage. Burleigh developed from humble beginnings as a coaching stop during the journey south from Southport and a hotel to cater to travellers had opened at Burleigh by 1882. This journey could be considered to be the area's first "tourist route" and was developed by Murwillumbah hotelier, Otto Vetter, particularly from around 1888 when he commenced a twice weekly coach service between Southport and Tweed Heads.Burleigh's growth was hampered to some extent, when the railway line bypassed it, going through West Burleigh, some three kilometres away, and separating the town from the main flow of travellers. However, the area was still an attractive destination to both travellers and residents alike and development soon picked up. The first two large housing estates in the area were developed in 1915. Also reflective of the growth and importance of the area was the opening of a school in 1917 and the Surf Life Saving Club in 1923.In 1927, a road bridge was constructed over Tallebudgera Creek, improving access by replacing the earlier vehicular ferry. The natural beauty of the Burleigh Headland was also protected when an area encompassing the headland itself and some of the surrounding land was gazetted as a national park, comprising some 27 hectares. This park is the only major coastal reserve between Main Beach and the New South Wales border. Other changes and developments over the years have included David Fleay's Wildlife Sanctuary (1952), Penney's Variety Store (1955), a drive-in theatre (1957) and the first motel (1958). The suburb was originally much larger than the area we now know as Burleigh Heads, previously taking in Miami and Palm Beach. The area has always been popular with holiday makers, with a prominent camping area near the beachfront. You can find further resources on Burleigh Heads via our One Search catalogueBrian Randall - Queensland Places Coordinator, State Library of Queensland
Thousands of historic photos of Australia's Gold Coast have been shared on Facebook and show iconic stretches of beach before the high rise apartment buildings were built.
Thousands of historic photos of Australia's Gold Coast have been shared on Facebook and show iconic stretches of beach before the high rise apartment ...
Oasis in Broadbeach sands: Lennons Hotel
There are plenty of things to do in Gold Coast with kids besides theme parks. Of course, these are fun but there is also much more to the region.
Beaches, Koalas, waterfalls and much more!
All creatures great and small in our ever popular animal gallery
Thousands of historic photos of Australia's Gold Coast have been shared on Facebook and show iconic stretches of beach before the high rise apartment ...
The growth in infrastructure overseen by the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct Masterplan, has missed an opportunity engage with significant Indigenous placemaking. Carroll Go-Sam takes a long-term perspective.
Let us take you on a unique journey. First, we’ll ‘time-warp’ back to the 60s, where the smooth waves and pristine beaches of the Gold […]
Looking to escape the Gold Coast and explore the Hinterland? Check out these 3 Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation options for a perfect rainforest retreat.
Photos: 1960s beach culture on Australia's Gold Coast
Keeping tourists meters topped up, 1973
In case you havent heard the news - I am in love with my new job for Village Well in Melbourne....my workmates are such kindred spirits, the work dynamic and interesting, the group operates with integrity and ethics that make me feel extremely humbled to be there. Most recently, I have been putting together a time line of Gold Coast history ( you can imagine how much I am loving that ) and came across these adorable photographs on the Gold Coast City Council website....I simply had to share them with you, they are so wonderful....the architecture, the fashions, the culture, everything..... I love these images. As a child we would spend most July holidays on the Gold Coast enjoying the beach, the family oriented theme parks, and I have to say, the all you can eat buffet at Sizzlers restaurant! Great memories !! It was around the 40's and 50's that things began to develop on the Gold Coast as a holiday destination, and by my childhood in the 80's and 90's it had really hit its stride. More recently, the Wintersun festival was held in Coolangatta up until last year and it was terrific to head back to that region as an adult to enjoy once again the winter holiday atmosphere. So, grab a glimpse of the 50's on the Gold Coast - for some it will bring back memories, and for others it will provide fuel for inspiration - but either way, enjoy some 50's eye candy on the first day of the new year !
Less than a 30 minute drive through the Gold Coast hinterland from Mudgeeraba you find the idillic location of Springbrook.
Planning on visiting Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast? Here is how to have the bets day ever at this premier theme park!
My beautiful picture
One of Australia's favourite holiday destinations, check out our list of the most fun things to do on the Gold Coast for your next visit.
Thousands of historic photos of Australia's Gold Coast have been shared on Facebook and show iconic stretches of beach before the high rise apartment buildings were built.
Fancy glow worm spotting on the Gold Coast? Pack-up the kids and head out to one of these two amazing glow worm caves and be transported to another world.
With the storm came the swell, pouring down the sand point at Snapper Rocks.
When the GC was mostly concrete!
Pamela Anderson has had her latest TV ad banned in Australia. The commercial was banned by Australia’s Advertising Standards Bureau.
Mako Island was an ancient and mysterious island that was located in the waters of the Coral Sea, approximately 50 km off the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, and was partially created from the impact of a celestial object in antiquity. Around Mako there are the largest population of Mako sharks and sea turtles, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Off-shore there are coral reef sands and a number of wrecks, including Louise Chatham's former boat, the Lorelei. On the northern
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