The Gold Coast has long been known as a destination with the perfect combination of business and leisure. With Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) now completed and in action, blending the two has never been easier, or cheaper.
Visitors staying on the Gold Coast or attending an event at GCCEC can officially explore even more of the city’s iconic beachside precincts without needing to look for a park, hail a cab, or check a bus timetable.
The Gold Coast tram journey
Previously, the G:link ran from Helensvale through to Broadbeach South, with the penultimate station, Broadbeach North, providing access to GCCEC and the wider Broadbeach precinct. After the extension was given the go-ahead, eight new stations were built, tested and officially opened to passengers, extending the G:link 6.7 kilometres south from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads. There’s a whole new world to explore, so keep reading for your unofficial guide to the southbound destinations from Broadbeach and beyond.
Broadbeach South: One last stop before the new extension
Technically, Broadbeach South isn’t one of the new Stage 3 stops, but no guide from GCCEC heading south would be complete without mentioning it. Just one short tram stop away from the Centre, Pacific Fair makes Broadbeach South a handy stopover for some serious retail therapy, a quick bite or a little time out before continuing south on the tram line extension.
Stop 2: Mermaid Beach
Now we arrive to the official starting point of the G:link extension, which is Mermaid Beach. From GCCEC, it’s as simple as hopping on the tram and heading south for a few minutes. Here, laid-back Gold Coast vibes really begin. A short walk down to the beach leads you to the twice-awarded ‘Australian Surf Life Saving Club of the Year’, the Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club. A few minutes on foot and you’ll find several cafes dotted around the area, all serving up incredible coffees, moreish brunch options and a relaxed atmosphere. Without the hassle of parking or expensive Ubers, the tram is your ticket to accessing new corners of the coast, finding a new breakfast spot, or enjoying some you-time before your next session. And for under a dollar, we’d say that’s pretty hard to look past!
Stop 3: Mermaid Beach South
Relaxed beach trip, here we come. Mermaid Beach South takes you slightly further towards Burleigh, perfectly prepped for a morning walk in the sun, a swim after your keynote wraps up, or just an afternoon off. In classic Mermaid style, you’ll still find plenty of places to nourish an appetite, as well as old-school beach character, quaint motel-style accommodation ready for exploring and iconic, pristine white sands. Head to the grocery store across the road for a few snacks, tuck a book under your arm and head beachside for a couple of hours. Just don’t forget to turn on your OOO.
Stop 4: Nobby Beach
If you’re ready to turn the adventure up a notch, Nobby Beach well and truly delivers. Here, the Gold Coast comes alive after dark. Bars, steakhouses, fresh seafood, gelato, and charming boutiques dot this gorgeous stretch, with plenty of social spots also calling this postcode home. Finished networking for the day? Keep the conversation flowing (and start the bar snacks) over a candlelit table at a rooftop bar, or grab a few woodfired pizzas for a sprinkling of true Italian hospitality.
Stop 5: Miami North
Next stop, Miami North. Time to swap the conference room for the great outdoors with coastal walks, parks, nature and cafés. This is a great spot to slow down, grab a coffee, stretch your legs and soak up some fresh Gold Coast air, with the beachfront never far away. Whether you’re chasing a bite to eat, a coffee or a relaxed afternoon by the coast, Miami North is worth a visit. And for delegates, it’s another easy opportunity to step outside the conference bubble and experience the local side of the Gold Coast, all without needing to get behind the wheel.
Stop 6: Miami
Hop off the tram at Miami to swap the busy tourist trail for a more laid-back slice of the Gold Coast. Here, you’re well placed to explore some of the Gold Coast’s local favourites, such as Miami Marketta, a must for foodies. Sample global street food in a buzzing laneway atmosphere while live music hums, before exploring the surrounding beachfront and local cafés. For something a little more adventurous, take the scenic route past the colourful Miami Stairs, a local landmark leading up towards the headland, before continuing to Mick Schamburg Park Lookout for incredible ocean views. For something more active and a little off the beaten track, Pizzey Park is one of the Gold Coast’s major recreation precincts, complete with sporting facilities, walking paths and a popular skate park. Miami is the kind of stop where you can take your time, grab a bite, get some fresh air and experience the Gold Coast at a slower pace.
Stop 7: Christine Avenue
Arriving at Christine Avenue, this stop is perfect for discovering the Gold Coast’s local food and drink scene. The area is jam-packed with foodie hotspots like California-themed breakfast eateries and bakeries, as well as breweries and plenty of holes in the wall to grab a sweet treat. If you find your afternoon has freed up, Christine Avenue is less about ticking off the major attractions and more about experiencing the Gold Coast like a local. Grab a cold drink, browse the local shops and settle in for a relaxed hour or two before continuing south. With the tram connecting GCCEC directly to this laid-back pocket of the Gold Coast, delegates can easily round off a successful day of presentations with local food, good coffee and a taste of the lifestyle that makes the destination so appealing.
Stop 8: Second Avenue
Here is your gateway to Burleigh and beyond. Second Avenue marks your arrival into the Burleigh precinct, putting delegates within easy reach of Burleigh Beach, beachside walking paths and the area’s much-loved markets. It’s an ideal stop for stretching your legs after a day of sessions, taking a coastal walk or exploring the local boutiques and dining spots. For delegates visiting GCCEC, it’s another reminder that there’s plenty to experience beyond the event itself. Hop on the tram after the final session, and before long, you’re swapping the exhibition halls for ocean air, sandy feet and the unmistakable laid-back energy of Burleigh.
Stop 9: Burleigh Heads
And at last, we reach Burleigh Heads (and in under a cool 20 minutes from GCCEC, too). Here, the world is truly your oyster. Think the famous Burleigh Beach, Burleigh Hill, the Headland and National Park, and incredible food, coffee, sunsets and shopping. This is the kind of stop that will make you want to cancel your return ticket. From a morning sunrise walk along the coast to a fabulous long lunch at one of the many acclaimed restaurants, there’s more than enough to fill your time between conference sessions. Be sure to walk up Burleigh Hill and settle in for sunset for a magical way to end a work trip. For delegates at GCCEC, the tram makes it easy to jump from conference call to coastline without ever needing to get behind the wheel.
From Conference Room to Coastline
Your event might start at GCCEC, but your Gold Coast experience can go so much further. From coffee in Broadbeach to dinner in Nobby Beach, a beach walk in Miami or sunset in Burleigh, the Gold Coast Light Rail extension makes it easier to experience more of what makes the Gold Coast such an unmissable destination. With eight new stops connecting delegates to the city’s beachside neighbourhoods, there’s no need to choose between business and leisure. When the final session wraps, endless ways to venture out and soak up the Gold Coast are just a tram ride away.
Planning your next event on the Gold Coast? Discover what makes GCCEC the ideal base for delegates and get in touch today.