The Gold Coast in Queensland.
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Getting around the Gold Coast in a rental car

If you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast and want to hire a rental car, hit the road running with our insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.

Read on to find out more.

Located to the south of Brisbane, not all that far from the New South Wales border, the Gold Coast is a popular spot for holidaying and weekend breaks, with its beaches, theme parks, and nightlife all drawing people from far and wide. A rental car is an ideal way to get around and explore, and VroomVroomVroom can help you compare top rental cars in the Gold Coast to find the right hire car for you.

Hire a car in the Gold Coast

Where to drive your rental car in the Gold Coast

  • Surfers Paradise: Famous for its beaches, shopping, and nightlife, Surfers Paradise is the place to be when it comes to visiting the Gold Coast.

  • Southport: Home to the popular Sea World theme park and the huge Australia Fair shopping centre, Southport is a place definitely worth checking out during your time around the Gold Coast.

  • Broadbeach: With beautiful beaches, a casino, shopping centres, and unique restaurants, there’s always something to do in Broadbeach.

Driving tips in the Gold Coast

  • Cyclists are common around the Gold Coast. Make sure you’re actively checking for bicycles and giving them enough room when sharing the road.

  • Stay alert for pedestrians and light rail vehicles when driving in Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast’s busy areas.

  • A 50km/h speed limit will apply in most residential areas of the Gold Coast.

  • Driving between the suburbs of the Gold Coast is easy. Simply follow the Gold Coast Highway, which passes through major areas like Surfers Paradise, Southport, and Broadbeach.

  • If you’re travelling up to Brisbane — or down to New South Wales — the most direct route is via the M1.

Parking in the Gold Coast

Many streets in the central areas of the Gold Coast have timed parking zones. Metered parking applies on certain streets in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Southport. Visitors can also park for up to three hours on the Burleigh Heads Esplanade. For all-day parking in Surfers Paradise, there are a few secure parking garages, and for airport parking, there are also parking options available at Gold Coast Airport.

When parking your rental car in the Gold Coast, be sure to read any time zone limitations, what payment (if any) is due, and how long you are permitted to park in a spot. Car parking rules should be displayed on signs beside the parking spots, and often show different rules depending on the day of the week and time of day — downtown Gold Coast parking rules tend to be more restrictive on weekdays.

Important Information

Expert tip ...

Parking rules can change depending on the day of the week and the time of day, and as getting booked can be an expensive experience, it is a good idea to read before you park.

 

Toll roads in the Gold Coast

While there are no toll roads in the Gold Coast, there are a number of toll roads in the nearby city of Brisbane. If you’re driving up from the Gold Coast via the Gateway Motorway, you’ll need to pay a toll. We recommend asking your rental provider about toll payments when you collect the rental car.

Driving distances from the Gold Coast

Fuel

Before you return your hire car to the rental car provider’s depot, make sure you’ve filled the fuel tank to avoid paying a premium rate to have the vehicle refuelled. The Vroom Fuel Price Compare app can help you find the cheapest fuel near you, but otherwise some centrally-located petrol stations around the Gold Coast include:

  • Metro Petroleum, 174 Nerang St, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD

  • Ampol Foodary, 152 Smith St Cnr Kumbari Ave, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD

  • United Petroleum, 16 Frank St, Labrador, Gold Coast, QLD

  • bp, Ferry Rd & Cotlew St, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD

Read more driving tips for Australia