Travelling from Sydney to Gold Coast
One of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations, now renowned for much more than metre-maids, the Gold Coast boasts 300 sunny days a year, and a 52 kilometre stretch of white sandy beaches. Cool down in the nearby hinterland and national parks, savour in the booming culinary scene, and enjoy the thrills at the theme parks when you book flights from Sydney to Gold Coast with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Trade the city for the beach and book Sydney to Gold Coast flights with Virgin Australia now, or read on for more information.
Arriving at Gold Coast Airport
Once you’ve landed at Gold Coast Airport it’s approximately 27 kilometres to Surfers Paradise, 18.5 kilometres to popular Broadbeach, and just under 14 kilometres to Burleigh Heads.
For a great-value commute to the popular beach areas catch Surfside Bus Line, route 777, that departs Gold Coast Airport – with stops at Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Miami, Mermaid Beach, and Broadbeach. From Broadbeach South Station you can also connect further north to Surfers Paradise and Southport on G Link Trams. Purchase the TransLink go card, either online prior or at the busway station, to use for this journey, and during your holiday on the Gold Coast.
Alternatively travel to the various Gold Coast beach areas via taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Gold Coast beach locations)
- Taxi and rideshare: $55-$70 to Surfers Paradise – 22 mins
- Surfside Bus Line/G Link Tram: $5-$6 per person to Surfers Paradise – 1hr 15 mins
- SkyBus shuttle service to Byron Bay: $15 per person to Surfers Paradise – 55mins
Read more in our Gold Coast Airport Guide.
Departing from Sydney Airport
Located a close 8km from Sydney CBD, Sydney Airport is best accessed by a convenient 13-minute train ride on the Air Train service. Use your Opal Card for the service, or tap on with your credit card - Amex, Visa or Mastercard.
You can also commute to Sydney Airport via shuttle or public bus, taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, self-drive and utilise the airport parking options available. In non-peak hour the drive is approximately 25-minutes from the centre of Sydney, however be mindful of congestion in peak hour and allow more time for the commute during these times.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 2 (T2) for your domestic flight to Gold Coast.
What time do you need to arrive at Sydney Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee on your way to the departure gate, without feeling too rushed.
Read more in our Sydney Airport Guide.
Gold Coast Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours on the Gold Coast? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of key attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast at Elk Expresso
Upon arrival from your Sydney to Gold Coast flight hop on the handy Surfside Bus Lines to Broadbeach South tram station, and once you’ve dropped your bags at your Broadbeach hotel (we love Peppers Broadbeach) you’re ready to explore the Gold Coast. For breakfast you’re off to Elk Expresso located on the beachfront end of Oasis Shopping Centre, an industrial chic café serving up seasonally-driven food and delicious speciality coffee.
10.00am – Surfers Paradise
Time to walk off breakfast - make your way along the beach, grab a quick swim, and continue the walk on to neighbouring renowned Surfers Paradise.
11.00am – SkyPoint at Q1
Next up, you’re off to SkyPoint, the 230-metre high observation deck in Australia’s tallest residential building, Surfers Paradise’s building Q1, for a birds-eye view of the Gold Coast and hinterland. If daring take on the SkyPoint climb!
12.30pm – Lunch at Garden Kitchen & Bar
You’re ready to be led down the garden path – literally. You’re off to Garden Kitchen & Bar for lunch, located in The Star Gold Coast, back at Broadbeach. A magical land with manicured lawns, coloured beanbags, and Australia’s first Moet vending machine. Choose from the extensive dining menu – one of our picks is their Citrus and Wasabi Marinated Prawns.
2pm – Natural Bridge, Numinbah Valley
Next up it’s time to self-drive and explore one of the Gold Coast’s must-see natural sights, Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley. This Valley is home to 7 great hiking trails, walking trails, waterfalls, caves and many species.
5pm – Brewery visit and experience
Time for urban tracks now, you’re off to one of the Gold Coast’s breweries. Depending on the day choose between Burleigh Brewing - a craft brewery and taphouse that features a brewmaster brewery tour, open late both Friday and Saturday; Black Hops – also in Burleigh Heads, open Wednesday to Sunday, offering tasting paddles from their 16 taps in their industrial vibe taphouse; or further south to Currumbin for a visit to Balter Brewing - open Wednesday to Sunday, this ultra-cool brewery an innovation from legendary local pro surfers Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Bede Durbidge and Josh Kerr, together with head brewer Scott Hargrave. If you’re lucky you might even catch the odd pro surfer appearance too!
7pm – Dinner at Social Eating House and Bar
Time for a quick freshen up back at the hotel, dinner is booked tonight at award-winning Social Eating House and Bar in Broadbeach - a casual fine dining experience catering for all dietary requirements, the menu created with locally sourced produce and a tapas/shared plate philosophy.
9.00pm – Drinks at The Island Rooftop
The last stop for your Gold Coast adventure are drinks at Surfers Paradise based, retro-inspired The Island Rooftop, the Gold Coast’s biggest rooftop bar featuring DJs and extensive cocktail list.
Where to stay on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast offers an incredibly diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles - along the coastline from Coolangatta in the south to Runaway Bay at the north end, and the natural wonders of the Gold Coast hinterland.
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a popular spot for tourists to stay on the Gold Coast if you like to be amongst the action, with bars and nightclubs aplenty in this area. Surfers Paradise is also known for the famous gold bikini clad metre-maids since the mid-60s, plus an array of events and festivals.
Broadbeach
A 30-minute walk south of Surfers Paradise and you’ve reached Broadbeach, a popular and central area to stay in with a diverse range of hotels, incredible restaurants, and great cafes like No Name Lane Coffee.
Miami and Nobby’s Beach
Miami and Nobbys’ Beach is an ideal area to stay if you’re seeking a more locals feel, with its casual vibe and coffee culture, street food and art markets, and pristine kilometre-long white sand strip.
Burleigh Heads
Ever growing in popularity is Burleigh Heads full of great cafes and vegetarian eateries in and around James Street, beach and park areas, boutiques, breweries, and stunning sunset vantage points. Sit on the headland for incredible sunrises and watch the morning surfers catch a wave.
Currumbin
Currumbin is an ideal spot to stay for both families and couples, with its relaxed seaside vibe, cool eateries, world-class white-sandy beaches, and outstanding natural beauty. Start the day with a stair climb to Elephant Rock for stunning views all the way to Surfers Paradise in the north and Coolangatta in the south, then head into Stable Coffee + Kitchen for breakfast.
Coolangatta
The closest beach to Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta has managed to retain its old-school beach vibes. Here you’ll find casual eateries, cool cafes, expansive less crowded beaches, and even an antique shop – 20th Century Antiques and Collectables. Its also home to Cooly Rocks, an annual event held each June, celebrating cars, music and culture of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Get in early to book your accommodation if planning to visit during this event.
Southport
Southport is the more CBD end of the Gold Coast, however holds a mix of city spice with natural beauty. A great area to stay for families, with Broadwater Parklands complete with a water park and Aquatic centre, multicultural restaurants, and shopping all within easy reach.
Gold Coast Hinterland
For a slower tempo the Gold Coast Hinterland offers cooler temperatures and nature at your doorstep. The majority of accommodation is in Mount Tamborine, however also in Springbrook, and Canungra.
When to visit the Gold Coast?
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, and plenty of things to do, the Gold Coast is the ultimate year-round destination to visit from Sydney.
Peak Season
Visit the Gold Coast in Summer (December to February) for the perfect time to spend time on the stunning beaches and nearby hinterland, with an average temperature of 20-28 degrees. We recommend that you book your flight in advance for the best value, as this is peak time (high season) on the Gold Coast, especially over the school holidays.
Non-Peak Season (with the exception of school holidays)
Autumn (March to May) is an ideal time to visit to enjoy the many outdoor activities on the Gold Coast, with sunny days and warm nights between 16-26 degrees.
Winter (June to August) is yet another great time to visit the Gold Coast, with sunny dry days, lower humidity, less rain, and temperatures a comfortable average of 11-21 degrees.
Spring (September to November) is a great time to enjoy the many water sports on offer, September often being windy is ideal for windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing. The temperature is a comfortable temperature of 15-25 degrees.
What to pack for your trip to the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast enjoys an enviable temperature year-round, so pack light and breathable clothes. Compared to Sydney, the Gold Coast is a lot more casual in dress code – so a mix of shorts, long pants, dresses and a light jacket should suffice for most of the year.
Bring comfortable shoes for your urban and hinterland adventures, swimwear for the beaches, havaianas, and sunscreen.
The Gold Coast can experience some cold nights in winter especially if staying near the ocean or in the cooler hinterland areas, so for the cooler months throw in some extra layers and a medium weight jacket.
Must Packs
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- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, short and long-sleeved tops, light and medium weight jacket
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
- Spring: a light jacket or long-sleeve top for evenings
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Sydney to Gold Coast is 1 hour and 20 minutes direct.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 670 kilometres on your flight from Sydney to Gold Coast.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 10 direct flights a day from Sydney to Gold Coast, operating regularly scheduled flights from 7.00am to 8.10pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Sydney to Gold Coast route. Find more information on our fleet here.