With an incredible Summer and hot temperatures on the Gold Coast, I headed down to Tallebudgera Creek for a snorkel and swim.
If you’re looking to do the same and are heading to this popular swimming spot on the Gold Coast it would be worth to note a few things to save you trouble and to maximise your day’s activities.
Parking- My tip would be to arrive early enough to easily get a car park. By 9AM in summer time you will start to find it difficult to get a park. Luckily there are a few spots to park on the northside (Burleigh) and also on the southside (Palm Beach). If you don’t mind a walk there is also the surf club which enables parking.
Tallebudgera Creek is a beautiful swimming spot however it is also an estuary leading to the ocean. With this in mind, it’s very important to understand the conditions you’re about to swim or snorkel in. Usually, the best time to snorkel is up to an hour before high tide. This brings lots of clear clean water from the ocean and also different animals like dolphins, rays and turtles. Not only that but it’s a lot better than being sucked out to the surf which seems to happen more often than not. Being caught in a rip here with the tidal current is a very real possibility. Stay safe! Keep an eye on how much water is moving in and around the river mouth and be smart. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, stick to the shallows near the lifeguards on the southern side of the creek.
Whilst I was snorkelling and swimming through the creek there is a huge variation on how shallow it is. The sand accumulates near the first bay of Burleigh Heads and from here it suddenly drops off, however, it’s not very deep. It would be no deeper than 8-10 metres at the deepest. This brings me to bridge jumping which you will find lots of people doing and it’s a great activity - providing you’re in the right spot and there isn’t a sandbank formed below. I’d recommend only jumping during high tide and always check to see if there is a sandbank before jumping. The last thing you want is a broken neck or back (I should know, it’s not fun…read my story here.)
This is a popular swimming spot for a reason! It’s protected by northerly winds and most of the southerly winds, with beautiful and peaceful conditions which are easy to access. There are 5 key areas to stay out of the water and soak up some sun with your friends and family. The first spot is located on the Palm Beach side where the lifeguards are. This is a great spot for young families and people who might not be as confident with swimming. You can also take a walk to the very end of the river mouth to check out the surf and there is also a great café nearby.
The other 4 spots are located on the Burleigh side (north) all of which are easily accessed via the path that leads around the headland. There is a prime position on a wooden walkway shaped like an octagon that has a fantastic view, although it will only fit friends and family. Walk a little further down and you have a beautiful little bay with sand and is furthermore protected by easterly winds. This is by far the most protected spot of the creek and extremely pleasant.
Keep going around and you will find your next bay which seems to me not as busy but still great especially when the weather is perfect.
Well, that’s it for our local guide of Tallebudgera Creek, I hope you enjoy this insider knowledge and have an amazing day. Don’t forget you can purchase photographs from my website and have them delivered anywhere in the world. Also, follow me on Instagram @jonwrightphoto and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JonWrightPhotography/
