Gold Coast light rail stage 4 confirmed, to extend network to Coolangatta and the airport

The Queensland government has confirmed funding for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4, approving a $2.1 billion investment to extend the network from its current Helensvale-to-Broadbeach route southward through Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Coolangatta to a new terminus at Gold Coast Airport.

The extension, which will add 13.5 kilometres of track and 15 new stops to the existing network, directly addresses what has been the most significant gap in the city's transit system — the lack of a rail connection between the beach strip and the international airport. Modelling shows the new service will reduce travel time from Broadbeach to the airport from 45 minutes by car in peak traffic to 32 minutes by light rail.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish said Stage 4 would be a transformational piece of infrastructure for the city's liveability and its appeal as a business and conference destination. "When visitors arrive from Sydney, Tokyo, or Los Angeles and can be at their hotel in Surfers Paradise 25 minutes after clearing customs, that changes Gold Coast's competitive position entirely," he said.

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said the light rail extension was equally significant for the southern suburbs, which had the highest car dependence of any part of the city and had missed out on the amenity the northern network had provided. "Burleigh and Palm Beach have been waiting for this for a decade," he said.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the airport link operational before the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, which plans to use the Gold Coast as a venue for swimming and marathon swimming events.

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