Burleigh locals have again spotted a familiar face camping illegally — this time under a gazebo on Burleigh Hill, complete with surfboards, a bicycle and sweeping ocean views.
The makeshift camp appeared earlier this week beside the Burleigh Pavilion, in one of the Gold Coast’s busiest and most photographed spots.
Residents quickly recognised the man as the same individual who, in previous months, set up a tent on top of a picnic shelter and another on his car.
A pattern of creative (but illegal) camping
In June, the camper gained attention for pitching a rooftop tent on his vehicle at the top of Goodwin Terrace, right under the new Glasshouse Apartments — a location boasting an estimated $24 million view.
The following month, he moved to the base of Burleigh Hill, where he erected a tent on a picnic shelter near a children’s playground.
That stunt divided locals online. Some praised his “clever thinking” in finding a rent-free ocean view, while others criticised the repeated breaches of local bylaws and the impact on public spaces.
“Now that’s ocean view real estate,” one local commented on Facebook.
Council response and enforcement
The City of Gold Coast has confirmed it is aware of ongoing issues with illegal camping around Burleigh Heads.
A council spokesperson said officers regularly patrol the area and approach offenders to educate them about appropriate accommodation options before asking them to move on.
“While we can’t comment on individual cases, people found camping illegally or sleeping in vehicles on roads or in parks are informed about safe and legal places to stay,” the spokesperson said.
Repeat offenders face fines of up to $830. The council also highlighted its network of tourist parks as lawful and secure alternatives for campers.
A growing problem across the Coast
Burleigh isn’t the only hotspot for unauthorised camping. Other popular Gold Coast locations — including The Spit, Currumbin, and Miami — have also seen an increase in makeshift camps in recent years.
Rising rents and housing shortages across Queensland are believed to be contributing factors, with some residents resorting to unconventional living arrangements. According to CoreLogic, the median weekly rent on the Gold Coast climbed to around $780 in 2025, up more than 30% since 2020.
For others, however, it’s less about affordability and more about lifestyle — chasing the ultimate beachside view, rules or not.
Do you know someone at risk of homelessness?
| Service | Contact Details | Support Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Homeless Hotline (Statewide) | 1800 474 753 (24/7) | Free, confidential advice and referrals to crisis accommodation and housing services across Queensland. |
| Gold Coast Homelessness Network | gchn.org.au | Directory of local homelessness services, food relief, and community support organisations. |
| St John’s Crisis Centre (Surfers Paradise) | (07) 5531 6013 • 36 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise | Emergency relief, meals, clothing, and case management for people in crisis. |
| Gold Coast Youth Service | (07) 5572 0400 • gcys.org.au | Support for young people (12–25) who are homeless or at risk, including housing assistance and outreach. |
| The Salvation Army (Gold Coast) | 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) | Emergency accommodation, food parcels, financial aid, and local outreach services. |
| St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) | 1800 846 643 | Help with accommodation, rent or utility assistance, and essential needs. |
| Department of Housing – Gold Coast Service Centre | 13 QGOV (13 74 68) • 13–15 Cavill Ave, Southport | Social housing applications, bond loans, and rental grants for eligible residents. |
