Popular family-friendly beach holiday location in South East Queensland
Table of Contents
Hello and welcome to my visitor’s information guide to Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast. This post is quite detailed, so to make it easier for you to read I have arranged it into the following headings:
1. Introduction
2. Where is Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast?
3. Best Time To Visit Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast
4. What Facilities do they have at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast?
5. How to get to Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast
6. Things to do at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast
7. Tallebudgera Accommodation
8. Tallebudgera Restaurants
9. Final Thought
10. FAQs
I hope you read this guide until the end because Tallebudgera is a terrific place to visit. If you do, hopefully it will motivate you to visit this outstanding Gold Coast beach area!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 10 Minutes
Introduction
Affectionately known as ‘Tally’ by the locals, Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast has to be one of the best places to visit on the Gold Coast for a day out by the water.
Sandwiched between Burleigh Heads National Park and Palm Beach, this stunning estuary is full of shimmering blue water that attracts swimmers, anglers, sunbathers, water sports lovers and those wanting a picnic.
As it is much less busier than other parts of the Gold Coast, this area has a quieter vibe that is very family-friendly. It also has decent parking, a couple of good food options, decent facilities and a sprinkling of places to stay, which provides everything you could want to make your time in this part of South East Queensland a very enjoyable one.
If you are visiting Tallebudgera for the first time, park your vehicle at Burleigh Hill and stroll along the straightforward coastal track that will take you through Burleigh Head National Park. The walk should take around 15 minutes to complete but you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the beach and creek through the trees that will make an excellent first impression.
As the Gold Coast is blessed with around 300 days of sunshine every year, Tallebudgera Creek is somewhere you can visit all year round. However, if you want to go for a swim then summer is probably the best time as the weather is usually warm and the water is calm.
Where is Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast?
Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast is an idyllic spot in South East Queensland that is framed on one side by the beautiful Palm Beach and on the other by stunning Burleigh Heads National Park.
The creek resides about a 15 minute drive away from the Gold Coast Airport and around a 25 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. It can be reached from Brisbane via car in about an hour and 10 ten minutes.
Tallebudgera Creek actually originates on the Springbrook plateau. While a number of smaller tributaries join it at various points along its course, it eventually enters the Coral Sea on Burleigh Headland’s southern side, right by the boundary between Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach.
The traditional owners of the land on which Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast resides are the Yugambeh people.
Distance from Tallebudgera Creek to other Gold Coast beaches
Best Time To Visit Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast
As the Gold Coast is blessed with around 300 days of sunshine every year, Tallebudgera Creek is somewhere you can visit all year round. However, if you want to go for a swim then summer and a couple of weeks either side of it are probably the best time as the weather is usually warm and the water is calm.
If you do come in the summer, just remember to wear plenty of sunscreen and be sunsafe. As the temperature can top 33 degrees at times, you should also stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Ideally it is also worth avoiding being out in the sun between 11 am to 3pm.
You can do activities like sunbathing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding every day, although as you would expect, the weekends and school holidays tend to be busier than week days.
What Facilities do they have at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast?
Despite being a little bit removed from the Gold Coast shoreline, Tallebudgera Creek has some decent facilities and amenities for people to use. Over at Tallebudgera Creek you’ll find public and disabled toilets, change rooms, outdoor and inside showers and a drinking fountain.
There are also barbecues, shades structures and tables, which make it easy to enjoy a lovely al fresco meal or picnic. While you can either park at the big car park that resides on the Creek’s southern side behind Neptune’s or at Burleigh Hill. Just be mindful that these spots tend to fill up quickly during the holiday periods and weekends.
Elsewhere, you will also find a boardwalk and footpath that will take you towards Tallebudgera Beach and the Seawall.
There are plenty of things to do at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast, so if you plan on visiting the area you should set aside plenty of time to maximise your enjoyment levels.
How to get to Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast
Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast is an easy destination to get to via various forms of transport. If you are driving, the way to get there will depend on where you are coming from. It could involve taking the M1, Gold Coast Highway or even State Route 3. So, to work out the most precise route for you to take, it is worth using the Waze App. You’ll find parking options near the Tallebudgera Surf Club and up by Burleigh Hill.
If you don’t fancy driving you can always take a taxi, Uber or ride your bike. Alternatively, you take a Translink bus, which runs past Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast Highway. Services run regularly and you can use their journey planner to work out how to get there from your starting location.
Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast distance to other Queensland Destinations
Things to do at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast
There are plenty of things to do at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast, so if you plan on visiting the area you should set aside plenty of time to maximise your enjoyment levels.
As part of the World Surfing Reserve Tally is a nice spot for surfing. You’ll find decent beach breaks during low swell at the inner bar, and at the outer bar when the swell is large.
The beach is patrolled by the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club – locally referred to as Club Talle – who presides over it from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the year. If you intend to go for a swim you would be well advised to stick between the red and yellow flags. They are always well clear of the rips that are occasionally present at the inner bar rips.
Although Burleigh Headland offers some shelter at its northern end, the best time for swimming at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast is in the morning. By the time the afternoon rolls around, you may find the southerly breezes a bit unpleasant.
For those who want to paddle in calmer waters, the blue tidal estuary at Tallebudgera Creek – one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful settings is located just over the dune. This area is patrolled between 8 am and 5 pm between November and April, as well as the school holidays by the Neptune Royal Life Saving Club. It is a very popular spot for families with young children, and those who enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. You can rent this equipment from All Coast Paddle Board Hire.
As Tallebudgera is an Aboriginal word which translates to ‘good fish’, you would expect the area to be a good place to cast a line. Over at the river mouth you should be able to catch a flathead, whiting and bream from your tinny. While at the bridge, the deep water makes it a terrific fishing spot to snare large fish.
As well as the water activities, Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast is a favoured spot for picnics and barbecues. Moreover, if you happen to be visiting with your four-legged friend, you will find one of the best dog-friendly areas on the Gold Coast, at the northern end of the beach where your pooch can run around off-leash.
Away from the sand, you can explore the Rainforest Circuit walking track in the national park, which will lead you up to the summit of a hill that rises above sea level to an elevation of 88 metres. Make sure you bring your camera with you here as the views over the south of Tally, all the way to Snapper Rocks are spectacular.
For those interested in indigenous history, the Burleigh Headland (Jellurgul), which rises majestically from Tallebudgera, is considered a sacred site among the Kombumerri people. You can find out more about it at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which is situated on the north side of Tally Creek.
What makes Jellurgal unique is that it is the only Aboriginal cultural centre on the Gold Coast that is operated and fully owned by the local indigenous community. The centre aims to preserve, educate, share and showcase Aboriginal culture and provides one of the more unique travel experience for those who visit it.
Tallebudgera Accommodation
The main place to stay at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast is the outstanding Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park. Situated on the banks of the estuary, to the west of the Tallebudgera Creek Bridge, this fantastic holiday accommodation offers excellent 2- and 3-bedroom cabins, some of which directly overlook the water. They also have a good selection of powered and unpowered camping sites for tents, RVs and trailers.
In addition to a relaxed and laid-back creek vibe, guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities including a swimming pool, playground and tennis courts. While the cabins all have their own kitchen barbecue facilities, there is also a food truck onsite where you can purchase meals from.
Generally speaking, other accommodation options are few and far between at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast. So, you might want to book a hotel or resort on another part of the Gold Coast.
That said, the Tallebudgera Creek Frontage Beach Shack is a nice option. It offers comfortable digs with kitchen facilities and a flat screen TV. The guest house also has a nice garden and a lake view.
If you are planning a Queensland family holiday on the Gold Coast I would highly recommend you pay a visit to Tallebudgera Creek.
Tallebudgera Restaurants
Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast’s main appeal is that it is a little bit removed from the masses who frequent other beaches in the area. For this reason, dining options in the immediate area are a bit limited.
You will, however, be able to get a fantastic meal at the Tallebudgera Surf Club. Called ‘Club Talle’ by locals, it is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, and breakfast on Sundays. As well as a terrific selection of classic meals like chicken schnitzel, barramundi and burger and fries, they also do an excellent range of steaks in huge portions at affordable prices. Their bar also serves a wide range of beers, wines and spirits, which you can enjoy with superb views of the Coral Sea.
Another creekside option you could try is the Custard Canteen bakehouse and café. This fabulous venue is managed by the same team that owns the Cubby Bake House and Bam Bam Bakehouse in Chinderah. They offer a delicious all-day breakfast and lunch menu that includes dishes like fish and chips which you can take away. Their signature offering is their Portuguese custard tart, which is a popular sweet treat with locals.
For excellent coffee and tasty pastries and baked goods, check out Neptune Kiosk. This busy hole-in-the-wall always has a crowd of people hanging out the front of it, but the service is always fast.
Other Gold Coast Restaurants
Final Thought
If you are planning a Queensland family holiday on the Gold Coast I would highly recommend you pay a visit to Tallebudgera Creek.
Offering a fantastic blend of adventure and relaxation, this nature lover’s paradise will give you a memorable beach experience you can’t get anywhere else in the region.
Whether you choose to enjoy it by basking in the sun on its sandy banks, splashing around in the creek’s shimmering waters, or venturing into the surrounding bushland, spending a bit of time at Tally is something you will love doing.
FAQs
Can you swim at Tallebudgera Creek?
Yes, you can swim at Tallebudgera Creek. However, you do need to be careful because despite being a beautiful swimming area, it is also an estuary which leads you to the ocean.
Is Tallebudgera Creek good for fishing?
Thanks to its calm estuary waters, Tallebudgera Creek is an excellent destination for fishing. In particular, the area is well known for being a hotspot for whiting, flathead and bream. Its picturesque setting also makes it a delightful spot to cast a line.
Where is Tallebudgera Creek?
Tallebudgera Creek is a stunning scenic creek situated within South East Queensland. It covers an area of around 98 square kilometres and its catchment resides within the local Gold Coast government area. Running for around 25 km, the river is a terrific spot for swimming and fishing.
Can I take my dog to Tallebudgera Creek?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Tallebudgera Creek Gold Coast, but they must be on a leash at all times in the park. Additionally, they are not allowed in the playground or in the foreshore area. There is an off-leash area for dogs at Tallebudgera Beach's northern end.
Where is the best place to stay at Tallebudgera Creek?
Accommodations at Tallebudgera Creek are fairly limited, but a great place to stay is at the Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park. It is located close to the estuary and offers a mix of powered and unpowered sites for tents and RVs, as well as two and three bedroom cabins. Amenities there include a swimming pool, tennis courts and children's playground.
