Burleigh Head National Park

Everyone has heard of the Gold Coast about an hour's drive south of Brisbane but not everyone has heard of the Burleigh Head National Park.

Instead of the high-rise apartments, the nearby park has rainforests, mangroves, eucalyptus forests, creeks and beaches. It's a small park only about 30 hectares but packs a lot into its small size. During some months you may see humpback whales and white-bellied sea-eagles. Inland the birdwing butterflies in the rainforests are a wondrous sight. No camping is allowed but plenty of accommodation is available nearby. There are easy walking tracks and picnic facilities. Don't forget your sun hat.