Gold Coast Light Rail

• Project typeRoads & transport

The Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR) is a major step forward in transforming our city into a modern, accessible city. Major construction of Stage 3, extending Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads commenced in July 2022.

Project updates and an interactive map including station locations, traffic changes, works notifications, and other important information is available at GCLR3.com.au.

Changing the face of transport on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Light Rail (GCLR) is currently more than 20 kilometres long and has 19 stations from Helensvale to Broadbeach South. This transformative transport mode has exceeded all expectations, particularly in relation to patronage, with more than 60 million paid passenger trips since July 2014.

An extensive light rail project is a key outcome of the Gold Coast Transport Strategy 2031. The Strategy outlines the need for a world-class public transport system to get people off the roads and around our city more sustainably.

We continue to partner with the Queensland and Australian Governments to improve safety and reduce congestion on the city's roads through the delivery of the light rail network.

Stage 3 – Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads

All 3 levels of government are funding the $1.2 billion project with commitments of $395.6 million from the Australian Government, $713.3 million from the Queensland Government and $91.5 million from City of Gold Coast.

GoldlinQ has been appointed on behalf of the Queensland Government to oversee procurement, construction and maintenance of Stage 3. Key features include the 6.7 kilometre extension of the Gold Coast light rail system from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads and construction of eight new stations.

More information about this partnership, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.

For the latest project news, visit the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 website

Key phases for stage 3

• Community consultation in June 2017 – for information and results at our GChaveyoursay website
• A Preliminary Business Case in December 2017
  Download the summary of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 Preliminary Business Case(PDF, 3MB) 
• A Detailed Business Case developed by Queensland Government in 2018 in partnership with the City of Gold Coast
  Key outputs of the business case were:
  (a) the development of the reference design
  (b) proposed route
  (c) station locations
  (d) financial and budget implications of the project.
• Community drop-in sessions were held in Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Beach in August 2018 with pop up sessions held more broadly throughout the corridor

Nobby Beach urban revitalisation

A planned station for Nobby Beach brings opportunity to enhance the local business area into a safer environment for everyone.

Community and business input was sought in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and was considered in the detailed design of the Nobby Beach precinct.

For information about the final design, please visit the Gold Coast Light Rail Nobby Beach Precinct map

Future stages of light rail

Our City Transport Strategy 2031 proposes further extensions to the Gold Coast Light Rail including:

• Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via Gold Coast Airport (Stage 4)
• Nobby Beach to Robina
• Broadbeach to Nerang
• Surfers Paradise to Bundall
• Gold Coast University Hospital to Biggera Waters.

Subject to agreement by the New South Wales Government, an extension of Stage 4 into Tweed Heads could be possible.

Stage 4 – Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta

In partnership with the Queensland Government, a detailed business case for Stage 4 is underway.

Stage 4 proposes a 13-kilometre extension south from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta, via the Gold Coast Airport to:

• connect communities with business and jobs, transport, education, shopping, dining and sporting facilities
• improve safety
• increase travel time reliability and accessibility
• deliver a greatly expanded walking and cycling network, giving the community more choice for active travel
• improve transport connectivity to the Gold Coast Airport.

More information about this partnership, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.

Working around light rail

If you are planning to carry out work or activities near light rail, it is vital to be aware of certain safety and coordination requirements. This is due to the presence of:

• electrified overhead power lines and poles
• traction power substations
• moving trams and other vehicles.

Ensure your works or activities can occur without conflicting with light rail activities. For information or to coordinate works with light rail, contact G:link on 1800 064 928 or visit the G:link website

Works or activities requiring assessment by City of Gold Coast

For all works or activities that would normally require assessment by City of Gold Coast, and are in the light rail affected area, be aware that:

• depending on the location and scope of works, you may be requested to consult with G:link to safely coordinate your works with light rail (i.e. by way of advice/conditions in your approval), and/or
• your works may be subject to specific light rail requirements (including but not limited to: acceptable timing of works and safety protocols).