Gold Coast Layover Guide (OOL)

What are you looking for in OOL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is an international airport located in Bilinga, Queensland. It’s situated about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Surfers Paradise, the heart of the Gold Coast. The airport first opened in 1939. The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and theme parks. It’s also renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and diverse recreational opportunities.

Can you leave Gold Coast Airport (OOL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can exit Gold Coast Airport on a layover, but you must hold a valid Australian entry visa (eVisitor 651, ETA 601 or Visitor 600). Apply in advance online; check processing times. Border controls apply and consider transit times back through security. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching boat tour from Main Beach and witness migrating humpback whales up close from June to October. Enjoy 360-degree viewing decks, commentary from a marine biologist, and a comfortable catamaran ride. Free rebooking if no sightings, with tea, coffee, and biscuits included. » book this tour

Surfers Paradise: Surf Lesson on the Gold Coast

Enjoy a two-hour surf lesson on iconic Surfers Paradise Beach under the guidance of experienced instructors. Learn safety briefings, board control, and essential techniques, then catch your first wave. High-quality boards and wetsuits are provided, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible reserve-now-pay-later options. » book this tour

Gold Coast: Snorkeling with Turtles Half-Day Tour

Embark on a three-hour boat tour to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve for a half-day snorkeling adventure. Swim alongside green and loggerhead turtles and colorful fish, guided by marine naturalists. Includes all snorkel gear, wetsuits, hotel pickup and drop-off, and fresh fruit post-swim for an immersive eco-friendly experience. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Surfers Paradise Beach A vibrant stretch of golden sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching with nearby cafés and shops, including stores, surf lessons, beach volleyball courts, picnic areas, and stunning coastal vistas. (Time required: approx 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 minutes or bus 777 from Gold Coast Airport station to Cavill Avenue.)
  • SkyPoint Observation Deck Panoramic 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline and hinterland from Australia’s highest beachfront vantage point, featuring telescopes and a skywalk experience for thrill-seekers. Enjoy refreshments at the summit café. (Time required: approx 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 minutes or tram from Broadbeach North station.)
  • Sea World Marine-themed amusement park offering roller coasters, shows, aquariums, and penguin encounters. Enjoy dolphin presentations, seal displays, water rides, and educational tours showcasing marine conservation, plus onsite cafés and gift shops. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes or bus 777 to Sea World Drive.)
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Historic wildlife park nestled in rainforest offering close-up koala photo sessions, kangaroo feeding, crocodile shows, and lorikeet feeding. Explore tree-top walk for panoramic forest canopy views. Experience wildlife hospital tours. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 minutes or Gold Coast Airport shuttle.)
  • Burleigh Heads National Park Coastal park featuring rainforest trails, ocean lookout points, and picnic spots. Hike the Oceanview track to spot whales in season. Watch surfers carve waves at Burleigh Point from vantage platforms. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 35 minutes or bus 777 to James Street.)
  • Broadwater Parklands Family-friendly waterfront park with playgrounds, picnic lawns, BBQ facilities, and walking paths. Swim in tidal pool, join a yoga class by the water, or rent bikes to explore the foreshore. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes or tram to Southport station.)
  • Pacific Fair Shopping Centre Large indoor-outdoor mall featuring international brands, boutiques, cinemas, and dining precincts overlooking landscaped plazas. Browse fashion stores, enjoy a meal at alfresco restaurants, catch a movie, and relax in lounges. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 minutes or bus 701 from airport.)
  • Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk Elevated steel walkway through subtropical rainforest canopy featuring birdwatching spots, interpretive signs, and picnic areas. Enjoy waterfall views, photo opportunities among ancient trees, and browse artisan shops along Gallery Walk. (Time required: 4–5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 50 minutes.)

Things to Do in Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Gold Coast Airport offers two lounges past domestic security: the Virgin Australia Lounge opposite Gate 18, open from 60 minutes before the first VA departure until last boarding, with complimentary food, drinks and shower facilities; and the Qantas Club just left of security, featuring contemporary seating, refreshments and workspace. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Gold Coast Airport Motel sits just 300 metres from the terminal, offering modern basic air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking and 24-hour reception. Nearby, the popular family-friendly Mercure Gold Coast Resort and Surfers Paradise hotels are within a 10-minute drive, featuring pools, restaurants and shuttle services. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Gold Coast Airport terminal is open from 4 am to 11 pm; entry is restricted thereafter and overnight stays are prohibited. There are no designated rest zones, quiet rooms or cots for sleeping. Benches and seating are available landside and airside, but passengers requiring rest must book nearby hotels or lounges.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Gold Coast Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal via the hotspot.goldcoastairport.com.au network. Simply log in with minimal details and enjoy unlimited access for browsing and messaging. While connectivity is generally reliable, speeds may vary during peak times and support is limited, so travellers can download content in advance if needed.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from Optus and Telstra can be purchased at airport kiosks near the arrivals hall, offering plans with voice and data. For eSIM, travellers can pre-buy online from providers such as Airalo, Nomad and Holafly, activating digital SIMs via QR code for immediate 4G/5G access upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi services operate 24/7 from the designated rank outside the arrivals area. Providers include 13cabs (13 22 27) and Black & White Cabs (133 222), offering metered fares and accessibility options. Bookings can be made via phone, app or on-site kiosk, with trips to Surfers Paradise averaging 25–30 AUD.

Train: Gold Coast Airport currently has no direct rail connection. The nearest regular service is Varsity Lakes station, reached via Translink bus routes 760 or 777. Travellers can plan journeys and check schedules on the Translink website: more info.

Bus: Kinetic Gold Coast operates Translink routes 777 (to Broadbeach South) and 760 (to Robina via Varsity Lakes) from the bus stop outside the northern end of the terminal. Services run approximately every 15–60 minutes, with Go Card fares based on zones. more info.

Shuttle: Shared shuttle services such as Con-x-ion, Gold Coast Shuttle and Link Transfers provide door-to-door transfers between the airport and local destinations across the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Prices start around 18 AUD one-way, bookable online or at arrival kiosks, with flexible pickup times tailored to flight schedules.

Car rentals: Major car hire companies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty have desks landside in the arrivals hall. Vehicles can be picked up on-site or via free shuttle to nearby rental centres. Advance online booking is recommended for availability and best rates, with options ranging from compacts to SUVs. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Gold Coast Airport offers short-term and long-term parking with over 3,000 spaces. Short-term car parks are closest to the terminal and charge incremental fees after free initial minutes. Long-term parking starts from approximately 17 AUD per day. Book online via ParkGCA to secure spaces and access discounted rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Self-service luggage lockers are located in the short-term car park near the terminal entrance. Sizes range from small to large, with rates varying by duration (approx. 10–20 AUD per day). Valet luggage services are not available; travellers should collect and secure items before terminal entry. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Gold Coast Airport (OOL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks