Burrum Heads Beach parkrun: Tail Walking on the Sand
Updated: 5 days ago
Some Saturdays you chase a time.
Some Saturdays you're the last two people on the beach. On purpose. 😂
At Burrum Heads Beach parkrun, Tearri and I volunteered as Tail Walkers. Which means we finished last. Proudly.
And somehow, even right at the back of the field, she still beat me.
Our Burrum Heads Beach Results – 28 parkrunners
Event 43 on Saturday, 7 February 2026, with Tearri and me as the volunteer Tail Walkers.
🏃 Tearri — 59:35 | 27th
🏃 Chooky — 59:36 | 28th
One second. One! 😂
If you've read my 👉 Coffs Harbour parkrun post, you'll know this is becoming a pattern.
In my defence, the Tail Walker has to finish last. That's the job. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Burrum Heads Beach parkrun At A Glance
Location: Chadwick Park, Barramundi Drive, Burrum Heads QLD
Start: 7:00am
Course: 5km out-and-back along the beach, mostly flat
Surface: Compacted sand, except the last few hundred metres on a paved path
Toilets: Yes, at the start
Parking: On-street parking
Train: No, you'll need to drive
Prams: Only if you've got a seriously good sand buggy
Coffee: Burrum Brew and Bites at Chadwick Park
Check the official page for current course details before you go: 👉 Burrum Heads Beach parkrun
What Is The Burrum Heads Beach Course Actually Like?
It's a beach parkrun. Properly.
You head out and back along the shoreline with the ocean beside you, and only the last few hundred metres are on a paved path. Everything else? Sand.
Soft sand? Not really. It's mostly compacted and firm, and pretty flat.
Hot? It was for us. Around 26°C, humid, with a light south easterly breeze and absolutely no shade on the beach.
Bring a hat. Bring sunscreen. Take it easy.
I was told that if you're lucky, you might even spot kangaroos on the beach. Were we lucky? No. Not a roo in sight. The view more than made up for it, though.
Dogs on leads join in too, so keep an eye out for a few four-legged parkrunners.
What Does A Tail Walker Actually Do?
The Tail Walker is a volunteer who stays at the very back of the field, so nobody is ever last on their own.
It's a lovely role. You slow right down, chat to people and actually look at where you are.
With just 28 of us that morning, it felt more like a beach walk with friends than an event.
Getting There, Parking And Toilets
Everything starts at the gazebo in Chadwick Park, off Barramundi Drive. That's where the first-timers briefing, announcements and milestone celebrations happen before you head down to the sand.
Parking? On the street.
And toilets? Yes. Right at the start.
Train? No. You'll need to drive.
Prams? Only if you've got a seriously good sand buggy. The whole course is sand except the last few hundred metres, so an everyday pram is a no from me.
The Best Part? The Volunteers
The volunteers were outstanding. Warm, encouraging and genuinely happy to be there.
Small field. Big welcome.
parkrun isn't about the numbers. It's about the people.
Coffee And A Chat At Chadwick Park
Afterwards, everyone drifts back to Chadwick Park, where 👉 Burrum Brew and Bites sorts out your coffee, plus a sweet treat or two.
Coffee in hand. Nowhere to be. Weekend officially started.
Staying Near Burrum Heads?
Compare places to stay around Burrum Heads:
Nearby parkruns To Explore
👉 Point Vernon Foreshore Reserve parkrun — 20.5km (read my review)
Hervey Bay parkrun — 28.9km
Maryborough parkrun — 39km
New To parkrun Tourism?
It just means doing a parkrun away from your home event. You see a new place, meet the locals and earn your coffee, all before most people are out of bed.
Ever wondered how parkrun started? Read about: 👉 The Global Rise of parkrun
So, Is Burrum Heads Beach parkrun Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you want a relaxed beach parkrun with a small, friendly crowd and the ocean beside you the whole way, put Burrum Heads Beach on your list.
Just don't forget your hat.
This post is part of my parkrun tourism series, exploring parkruns around Australia and beyond.
Come Chase Life With Me
Have you done Burrum Heads Beach parkrun, or a parkrun away from home that's stayed with you? Tell me about it in the comments.
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Keep Chasing Life 🧡
Chooky xx
Embracing the slow. Chasing the now.
💬 Thanks for reading!
Do you do parkrun tourism? If so, where’s your local — or which parkrun has been your favourite to visit so far? 🌍🏃♀️