You’ll be really excited arriving at Gold Coast Airport for outside the terminal is a fabulous world of beautiful beaches, stunning architecture and wonderful hotels. No wonder it’s been dubbed the Australian Dubai.
If you’re on a tight budget you could hire a neat and nimble car from rhinocarhire.com or if you’re a little flusher there’s a range of luxury cars or 4x4's for those that like a little more comfort or security. Driving along the coasts you’ll then be able to look out for the quieter beaches and coves down rarely travelled tracks.
Gold Coast Airport Mini Guide
How Can I Get to Gold Coast?
You can fly into Gold Coast on one of the eight airlines that operate there. You can travel in comfort on Air New Zealand or Virgin Australia or take one of the budget flights in from Jetstar or Tiger Airways. There’s a good chance that you’ll be one of the millions arriving there that have come from Sydney or Melbourne on internal flights or from Auckland. If you’re using the airport for departures, there are 2,000 parking spaces there and the airport is clearly marked off the coastal highway.
What Can I Do When I Get There?
You can either get your surfboard out and head for Surfer’s Paradise, fifteen miles north of the airport or head further afield to Brisbane, sixty miles to the north. Brisbane is a vibrant sunny city that enjoys the outdoor lifestyle and there are many great beaches in the area too. The whole area classes itself as Australia’s holiday destination so you won’t go far wrong wherever you stay.
Where Can I Get Help at the Airport?
The information desk is outside the arrivals door along with the transportation desk. There they can sell you bus tickets, arrange taxis and also recommend accommodation choices for you. If you’ve lost your luggage en route then the desk can take details and try to locate it for you.
Passengers needing assistance should inform the airport 48 hours in advance and contact the information desk upon arrival. You should also let the airline know in advance so they can help you in flight. If you need first aid then you should contact the nearest staff member for directions.
What’s the Best Way to Get to My Destination?
There are no trains that leave from the airport but the nearest station isn’t too far away, a short taxi ride should do it. Instead, why not use one of the efficient and cheap Surfside buses that travels north up to Southport on one route or Varsity Lakes on another. There’s a southbound route too which goes to Tweed Heads.
There’s also a pre-bookable tourist shuttle bus that will take you door to door. If you’re hiring a car, the companies’ desks are found outside international arrivals and with the airport being a busy one, you may want to consider booking online before departure and sending a group member through to begin the queuing process otherwise you may be there for some time.
What Can I Do Whilst Waiting For My Flight?
There’s not a huge choice of shopping at the airport but just enough to occupy you before departure. Fashion ranges from French Connection to Queensland beach wear. There are a number of small gift shops selling typically Australian products too and a duty free outlet with the customary range of alcohol, tobacco, perfumery and gifts.
Finally, find a seat at one of the restaurants and cafes for a last meal in this part of Australia. You can choose between light snacks or pizza or go for a full meal at Hungry Jack’s.
Car Rental Gold Coast Airport Useful Links: