14 things to do aboard the Gold Coast light rail

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Surfers Paradise Beach | Gold Coast light rail

By Sarah Bristow

Published 4 years ago

Introducing the MVP of the Gold Coast transport systems, the Gold Coast light rail. The G, as it’s been dubbed, links the northern suburbs with the central Gold Coast hotspots, from Helensvale to South Broadbeach. This is your chance to do as the locals do, an easy way to get to the best attractions, finding the best cafes, restaurants and nightlife, or just soak up some time spent on the sand at the Gold Coast’s gathering of beautiful beaches. Here are 14 key things to do aboard the Gold Coast light rail.

Sea World

Ring the bell at Main Beach - it’s at this stop that you’ll be closest to ocean lover’s haven Sea World. The popular marine park is one the best things to do aboard the Gold Coast light rail, especially if you have kids along for the ride. Spend your day among the exhibitions, swimming with the dolphins, or seeing incredible feats at the Thunder Lake Stunt Show.

Southport food scene

Foodies will be familiar with the cluster of quality cafes found in the suburb of Southport. Cafe Catalina and Percy’s Corner are two standouts, havens of specialty beans and breakfast specials alike. Not satisfied? Give Daark Espresso, Randy Wallhole, or Cardamom Pod a whirl. Southport and Southport South will be your chosen stations (depending on your brunching destination).

Harbour Town

For shopaholics one of the best things to do aboard the Gold Coast light rail is to make a visit to Harbour Town. Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre, this place promises bargains galore from a host of luxury labels, like Ralph Lauren, Bonds, Calvin Klein, Coach and more. Jump on the G and disembark at the Southport or Gold Coast University Hospital station, before jumping on the 704 or 719 bus to Harbour Town.

Main Beach

Get Wet Surf School Surfers Paradise | Gold Coast light rail

Stop off for a swim at one of the Gold Coast’s most famous residents, Main Beach. The G link station of the same name will see you land right out front the golden sands of the famous swimming spot that sits on the northern end of the region. Post-dip drop by the old bathing pavilion which has been converted into a casual beach cafe, serving up classics like potato scallops and pineapple fritters.

Pacific Fair

Shop up a storm with a visit to arguably one of the best retail destinations on the Gold Coast (if not the state of Queensland), Pacific Fair. This revamped shopping precinct boasts more than 400 stores across fast fashion, luxury and global mega brands. The Broadbeach South station on the G link track will take you right outside the venue’s seriously stylish doors.

Skypoint

One of the most memorable things to do aboard the Gold Coast light rail is to make a pitstop at the world’s tallest residential building, the Q1. It’s here that you can cruise your way by lift right up to the Skypoint Observation Deck on level 77 where you’ll be treated to unsurpassed 360 degree views of the surrounding coastline. Venture onwards if you dare with the Skypoint Climb, 270 metres above sea level. The G Link Surfers Paradise station is located directly in front of the entrance to SkyPoint.

Aquaduck Safaris

Cruise the Gold Coast waterways with a trip on the rather famed part boat, part bus, Aquaduck Safaris. You can join the experienced crew in Surfers Paradise’s main drag of Cavill Avenue - one of the many G Link stops. You’ll have two options to choose from here - the one hour Gold Coast River Cruise and City which winds its way through the skyscrapers before trundling along the riverways.

King Tutts Putt Putt

Test your hand eye coordination with King Tutt’s Putt Putt, a Gold Coast institution that has provided fun for the whole family for the past decade. There is one outdoor and two indoor themed courses, each boasting 18 holes. As for getting here, King Tutt’s is just a short stroll away from the Surfer’s Paradise North station.

Broadbeach

Headed to a concert? No doubt you’ll be making your way to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The stop you are after is Broadbeach South. Which luckily boasts plenty of ways to entertain you pre- or post-show, go take a dip at Broadbeach Beach out front, or settle in for a night’s stay at the luxurious resort The Star Gold Coast.

Broadwater Parklands

Stretch your legs at the Broadwater Parklands, the gathering of green accessible by the G Link station of the same name. Three kilometres long, this diverse public space boasts function venues, manicured lawns, bike paths and everything in between to accommodate your next picnic, wander, or special event.

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

Peruse the wares of local creatives at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, which have been hosted regularly since 1995. The open air occasion features 100 stalls settled along the beachfront, where artisans showcase their creations, alongside a handful of live music performances. Make your way here via the Cypress Avenue stop.

iFly Gold Coast

iFly | things to do Surfers Paradise — Photo by @yiyaginamu_

Or get your kicks with indoor skydiving ranch iFly Gold Coast, not far from the Surfers Paradise stop. The second indoor skydiving facility in Australia, this place has become a popular destination for adrenaline junkies thanks to its 365 degree glass tunnel, giving spectators a front row seat to the experience.

BMD Northcliffe Surf Club

Accompany your cold beverage with an outstanding view at the BMD Northcliffe Surf Club, off the Northcliffe stop. This breezy bistro has quite the reputation, thanks in part to its beachfront location, and in part to its award-winning pub grub.

Infinity

For kids (of all ages) there may be nothing better to do aboard the Gold Coast light rail than a visit to Infinity, the multi-sensory maze of 20 different rooms of wonder (and plenty of light displays). Via the G Link make your way to the Cavill Avenue or the Cypress Avenue stop - from either the popular tourist attraction is a short stroll.