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Surfers Paradise skyline at sunset Gold Coast

Gold Coast Arrival Guide
(OOL – Gold Coast Airport)

The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground — famous for surf beaches, theme parks, nightlife, and hinterland escapes. If you’re landing at Gold Coast Airport (OOL), also known as Coolangatta Airport, you’ll step straight into the heart of Queensland’s holiday strip.

This guide covers everything you need: arrivals process, SIM cards, ATMs, taxis, rideshare, buses, shuttles, train connections, and top attractions to explore once you’ve settled in.

Gold Coast Airport Overview

  • Location: Coolangatta, on the QLD/NSW border, ~25 km south of Surfers Paradise.
  • Terminals: A single terminal handles both domestic and international flights.
  • International Arrivals: Immigration, baggage claim, and biosecurity are on the ground floor.

Fun fact: Part of the runway actually crosses into New South Wales, so flights may land in one state and taxi into another.

Arrivals Process

Passport Control & SmartGate

  • Eligible ePassport holders 16+ can use SmartGate kiosks.
  • Manual counters are available for other travellers.

Incoming Passenger Card

  • Required for all international arrivals. Declare all food, plants, medicines, and more than AUD 10,000 in cash.

Biosecurity & Customs

  • Australia is strict. Items like seeds, honey, fruit, and untreated wood are high-risk.
  • Tip: Always declare. Fines are heavy for undeclared goods.

SIM Cards & Connectivity

Prepaid SIM cards available in arrivals:
  • Telstra – best coverage (especially inland).
  • Optus – good network, cheaper than Telstra.
  • Vodafone – cheapest, works fine in metro areas.

Cost: AUD 20–50 for 28–35 days with data/calls.

Airport Wi-Fi: Free, but SIM/eSIM is recommended for smoother travel.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

  • ATMs: NAB, ANZ, Westpac, and Commonwealth.
  • Currency exchange kiosks in arrivals, though better rates are often found in Surfers Paradise.

Transport from Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise

There is no direct train line (currently under construction). Here are your options:

Public Buses (Best Value)

  • Route 700: Gold Coast Highway service to Broadbeach South, stopping at Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach.
  • Route 777 (Express): Airport to Broadbeach South (where you connect with G:link tram).
  • Time: 45–60 minutes to Surfers Paradise (bus + tram).
  • Cost: AUD 6–7 with Go Card (tap-on card for SEQ public transport).

G:link Light Rail (via bus connection)

  • Take 777 or 700 bus to Broadbeach South, then transfer to the G:link tram.
  • Trams run every 7–15 minutes, covering Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Helensvale.

Shuttle Buses (Direct to Hotels)

  • SkyBus Gold Coast or private shuttle services run from the airport to Surfers Paradise hotels.
  • Cost: ~AUD 25–30 per adult one-way.
  • Time: 45–60 minutes.
  • Best for door-to-door service with luggage.

Taxis

  • Taxi ranks outside the terminal.
  • Cost: AUD 60–80 to Surfers Paradise.
  • Time: 35–50 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Trusted companies:
    • Gold Coast Cabs (☎ 131 008)

Rideshare

  • Pickup zone signed outside arrivals.
  • Providers: Uber, Ola, DiDi.
  • Cost: AUD 55–75 to Surfers Paradise.
  • Time: 35–50 minutes.

Train Connections (for Brisbane travellers)

  • Take bus 760 to Varsity Lakes Train Station, then transfer to trains to Brisbane CBD, Airport, or Sunshine Coast.
  • Total time to Brisbane CBD: ~2 hours.
  • Cost: AUD 20–25 with Go Card.

Go Card – South East Queensland’s Transport Card

To use buses, trains, and trams in Gold Coast/Brisbane:

  • Buy a Go Card at airport kiosks, 7-Eleven, or stations.
  • Tap on/off for discounted fares.
  • Daily and weekly fare caps apply.
  • Use for all public buses and the G:link tram.

Accommodation Options

Near the Airport (Coolangatta):

  • Mantra Coolangatta Beach
  • Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Surfers Paradise:

  • Budget: Backpackers in Paradise, Bunk Surfers Paradise
  • Mid-Range: Vibe Hotel, Mantra on View
  • Premium: Hilton Surfers Paradise, JW Marriott Gold Coast

City Essentials for First-Timers

  • Climate: Subtropical — hot, humid summers; mild winters.
  • Safety: Tourist-friendly; avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches.
  • Emergency Number: 000.
  • Beach Safety: Swim between the red-and-yellow lifesaver flags. Rips are common.
  • Transport Tip: Use Go Card for seamless bus + tram travel.

Special Notes

  • Theme Parks: Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild are 30–40 minutes from the airport.
  • Day Trips: Byron Bay (1 hr south), Springbrook National Park, Lamington National Park, Brisbane (1.5–2 hrs).
  • Events: Schoolies (late November) brings large student crowds; Surfers Paradise is busiest.

Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Gold Coast

  • Surfers Paradise Beach – The heart of the Gold Coast, buzzing with surf, nightlife, and cafés.
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck – 77th floor of Q1 Tower with sweeping views.
  • Burleigh Heads National Park – Scenic coastal walk with rainforest and ocean views.
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Koalas, kangaroos, and famous lorikeet feeding.
  • Pacific Fair Shopping Centre – Luxury and mainstream shopping at Broadbeach.
  • Sea World – Family favourite with marine life exhibits and rides.
  • Warner Bros. Movie World – Thrilling rides and shows based on film franchises.
  • Dreamworld & WhiteWater World – Australia’s largest theme park and water park combo.
  • Lamington National Park – Rainforest hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife in the hinterland.
  • Byron Bay (Day Trip) – Famous bohemian beach town just over the NSW border.
Gold Coast

Quick Tips for Smooth Arrival

  • Gold Coast Airport is compact; baggage and arrivals are usually fast.
  • Buy a Go Card early for buses/trams.
  • For convenience, book SkyBus or hotel shuttle in advance.
  • Always swim between surf lifesaver flags.
  • Theme parks are best visited midweek (shorter queues).