This guide sets out what the official Translink and G:link operator websites say about the Gold Coast tram line, using pages fetched on 10 November 2026. Pages were fetched on 10 November 2026, and plans that are not yet built are described only as the operator’s page states them.
What the G:link is
Translink lists trams, known as the G:link, on the Gold Coast among the services passengers can use. The operator’s history page says that on 6 May 2011 the Queensland Government announced the GoldlinQ Consortium as the successful proponent to operate Queensland’s first light rail system on the Gold Coast. The operator’s home page describes GoldlinQ as the consortium that designed, built, and is operating and maintaining the light rail system.
The history page adds that, at the end of 2011, Keolis Downer Gold Coast was signed on to be the operator and maintainer of the system. It also says that in December 2025 Keolis and Downer signed an agreement for Keolis to buy Downer’s shares in the joint venture.
The route and its three stages
The operator’s history page describes the line in three stages, each stated with its own figures.
Stage 1 construction began early in 2012 and, according to the page, comprised 14 trams, 13km of track and 16 stations, with the first stage launched on 20 July 2014. The page says that in 2015 the Queensland Government announced the preferred route for Stage 2, from Helensvale station to connect with Stage 1 at Gold Coast University Hospital station. Stage 2 construction began in 2016, adding 7.3km, 3 new stations, 2 park and ride facilities and 4 additional trams, and the page says it officially opened on 17 December 2017.
The operator’s timeline also records delivery of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, moving over 1.1 million passengers.
Stage 3 construction began in 2023 and, per the page, is a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, with 8 new stations and 5 additional trams; the page says it officially opened on 9 August 2026.
Stations along the line
The operator’s all-stations page, at 10 November 2026, lists these stations from the northern end: Helensvale, Parkwood, Parkwood East, Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University, Queen Street, Nerang Street, Southport, Southport South, Broadwater Parklands and Main Beach. The list continues with Surfers Paradise North, Cypress Avenue, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Northcliffe, Florida Gardens, Broadbeach North and Broadbeach South. It ends with Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Beach South, Nobby Beach, Miami North, Miami, Christine Avenue, Second Avenue and Burleigh Heads.
For a map, at 10 November 2026, per Translink’s maps page, a G:link network map (PDF) is listed under the Gold Coast region. At 10 November 2026, per the operator’s home page, the operator also promotes the My G: app, which it describes as a way to locate stations, tram ticket sellers and local attractions on a map, and to save favourite stations for quick access to departure times.
Connecting with heavy rail at Helensvale
At 10 November 2026, the operator’s Helensvale page says Helensvale Station is the main link between light and heavy rail, with an overpass connecting the light rail platform to the heavy rail station and giving 100 per cent cover for passengers connecting to other services. At 10 November 2026, per the same page, it lists the Airport Line and the Gold Coast Line as the trains available from the station. At 10 November 2026, per the same page, it also says the station provides access to connecting bus services.
On the station itself, the page says it is a central platform station, with both platforms in the middle and tracks on either side. At 10 November 2026, per the Helensvale page, it states that the station has a dedicated car park with 400 spaces, and its amenities list includes emergency and information help points, a ticket machine, undercover seating, shade sails, drinking fountains and CCTV. For the train side of the connection, see Brisbane Trains Explained, and for the wider trip between the two cities, Brisbane to Gold Coast Transport Options.
How to pay
At 10 November 2026, per Translink’s go card page, its go card can be used on tram services in the Gold Coast region, among other regions. At 10 November 2026, Translink’s contactless payments page says contactless payment is available on all South East Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses, and that all fares on Translink services are 50 cents per journey, regardless of how far you travel or how you choose to pay. Check Translink for the current position before relying on that figure.
The operator published a fares post dated 3 November 2026. It lists a contactless Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card or digital wallet as an option, and asks for one card or device per customer travelling. It says to tap on and off with the same card or device to avoid an extra fee. For go card, it says to tap to a validator on the station platform at the beginning and end of each trip. It also says pre-purchased paper tickets are available from fare machines at G:link stations and are valid for one way travel only. The same post, dated 3 November 2026, says fare evasion is an offence and may result in a fine of $345. Our guide to Go Card and Public Transport Tickets Explained covers the wider ticketing system.
Services, works and future plans to check
An operator post dated 7 August 2026 says trams would be operating between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads from Sunday 9 August 2026. It says the first tram would depart Burleigh Heads station at 6am, and that trams would operate every 7.5 minutes from 7am to 7pm. The same post said trams would run the full length of the network on weekends, and that passengers would be able to remain onboard between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads on Friday and Saturday at any time of the day or night. These were launch plans in a post dated 7 August 2026; the post does not say whether the 6am first tram, the 7.5-minute interval or the weekend pattern has changed since, so check the operator’s journey planner or Translink timetables.
A works notice dated 24 September 2026 says tram services between Helensvale and Gold Coast University Hospital stations will not run on selected nights from October to December 2026, with buses replacing trams. The notice’s table lists the selected nights, running from 8 November to 14 December 2026, so check the notice for the nights. The notice says trams will run as normal between Gold Coast University Hospital and Burleigh Heads stations, and that bus replacements follow the regular tram timetable. How to Read TransLink Service Alerts explains where current disruption notices appear.
A possible future extension
The operator’s history page states that in June 2026 the Queensland Government announced plans to extend Gold Coast Light Rail to connect Harbour Town at Biggera Waters with Gold Coast University Hospital. No construction or opening dates are given here.
Frequently asked questions
How many stages does Gold Coast light rail have?
At 10 November 2026, the operator history page describes Stage 1 (launched 20 July 2014), Stage 2 to Helensvale (opened 17 December 2017) and Stage 3 from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads (officially opened 9 August 2026).
Where does the G:link connect with trains?
At 10 November 2026, the operator says Helensvale Station is the main link between light and heavy rail, and lists the Airport Line and Gold Coast Line as trains available there.
How can I pay for a G:link trip?
At 10 November 2026, the operator post dated 3 November 2026 lists contactless Visa or Mastercard cards or digital wallets, go card, and pre-purchased paper tickets from fare machines at G:link stations.
Is the light rail being extended further?
The operator history page states that in June 2026 the Queensland Government announced plans to extend Gold Coast Light Rail to connect Harbour Town at Biggera Waters with Gold Coast University Hospital; check the official page for any later detail.
