John Laws Park and Burleigh Pavilion Plaza

John Laws Park and the Burleigh Pavilion Plaza are busy and popular areas within the Burleigh Heads precinct. High visitor numbers, particularly during peak periods, can result in overcrowding, safety concerns and increased pressure on shared public spaces and facilities.

We are proposing a range of improvements across the precinct to make the area safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone. The focus is on creating more space for pedestrians, improving movement throughout the area and strengthening connections between the Pavilion, the beach and surrounding parks.

Planned improvements include:

  • Relocating carparks in front of the Pavilion to Goodwin Terrace and Rudd Park to create an open and accessible plaza area, with no reduction of parking in the precinct.
  • Installing new seating, tables, shade structures and vegetation throughout the plaza area.
  • Widening and slightly realigning the Oceanway to improve pedestrian safety and flow.
  • Refurbishing the deck and lookout at John Laws Park.
  • Installing new shelters, barbeques and picnic facilities in John Laws Park.
  • Improving safety by installing CCTV and more lighting.

Indicative before and after of the Burleigh Pavilion Plaza

Concept plan and artist impressions provide a vision for the future embellishment of Burleigh Heads Foreshore Parklands. All proposals are subject to change and will be finalised as part of detailed design, technical investigations, community consultation, planning and environmental approvals, and funding considerations by City of Gold Coast Council.

Concept map

FAQs

Why are you relocating the car park in front of the Burleigh Pavilion?

Relocation of the carparks in front of the Pavilion will provide a wider and safer connection between Burleigh Beach and Burleigh Hill for pedestrians along this popular and busy Oceanway path. There will be no reduction of parking in the area. The carparks will be relocated to new angled parking along Goodwin Terrace and off-street car parking in Rudd Park.

How will the new plaza space be used?

The proposed plaza is intended to be a flexible public space with seating, shade, landscaping and room for people to meet, relax and enjoy the coastal setting. It will support everyday use and help manage large crowds during busy times.

Will the existing public toilets be upgraded as part of the project?

The existing public toilets located in John Laws Park next to the Pavilion will be retained and not upgraded. The existing public toilets in Justins Park will be upgraded to improve accessibility and increase capacity.