Search car rental at Coolangatta (Gold Coast) Airport

A region of sun, surf and sand, the Gold Coast of Australia is the ultimate holiday destination. Stroll along beautiful beaches, shop till you drop, enjoy fine dining, take a walk through native Australian bush or simply soak in some sunshine. You’ll never be short on activities in the Gold Coast and renting a car in Coolangatta is the best way to explore this beautiful Queensland region.

Driving in Coolangatta and the Gold Coast

Driving in Coolangatta is pretty straightforward. The streets are well maintained and the parking is plentiful. It can get very busy during the summer months, however, and while most people will explore the beaches and boardwalks on foot, traffic can get a little jam packed. The open roads toward inland Queensland are easy to navigate, and the M1 will see you arrive in the beautiful city of Brisbane in about an hour’s drive.

Driving to and from the Airport

The airport in Coolangatta - the Gold Coast Airport - is located on Eastern Avenue, Bilinga, and is only a 5-minute drive to the centre of Coolangatta. The airport is signposted for your return trip.

Driving Tips

● Motorists drive on the left.

● The speed limit is 50km/h in towns and cities, and 100km/h on the open road and highways, unless otherwise signposted.

● Beware of wild animals on rural roads.

Parking

At the Gold Coast Airport, parking is close to the terminal. Park in one of the three carparks they have on offer, at varying prices, and leave your car in their secure hands.

In Coolangatta, there are several car parking buildings which range in price, and also street parking with pay machines. In some locations you’ll find free parking, but always take note of time regulations.

Pre-book a rental car with Airport Rentals and road trip your way up the coast

Booking your car hire with Airport Rentals is as simple as a few clicks. Find and compare the best vehicles at the best prices. View SUVs, family-friendly minivans or economic cars, and filter your choices down even further by price or rental company. Pick up your hired car from the airport or from various rental locations in Coolangatta.

The Gold Coast Airport

The Gold Coast Airport is located at the south end of the beach strip, easy for access to the rest of this stunning area, and inland to other interesting attractions. With fantastic dining options, retail shops, comfortable lounges and friendly staff, the airport is an enjoyable place to arrive. Read more about the Gold Coast Airport facilities on their website.

Accommodation

One of the biggest tourist destinations in Australia, the Gold Coast is not short on accommodation. There’s something to suit every kind of budget.

Hundreds of hotels, motels, hostels and bed and breakfasts line the main coastal road, and in Coolangatta you’ll find much of the same. For high end accommodation check in to Oaks Calypso Plaza, or visit the Coolangatta Bed & Breakfast for a cozy night or two. After something a little cheaper? The Coolangatta Sands Backpackers is affordable and right on the waterfront. With competitive prices, you’ll be sure to find the right accommodation for your taste, budget, and preferred Gold Coast location.

Events and Festivals

Coolangatta and the surrounding Gold Coast are thriving hubs of activity all year round. Events and festivals will fill your calendar up, no matter what time of year you visit.

● Music enthusiasts will enjoy the Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival, and the Surfers Paradise Live, both at the beginning of the year.

● Check out the 10-day Film festival each year around April.

● Cooly Rocks On is a festival in June that celebrates the 1950s and 60s each year in Coolangatta.

Eating Out

With an abundance of dining choices, no matter what you’re craving at mealtimes, it’s guaranteed there will be a delicious restaurant or cafe close by.

From Italian to Japanese, Mexican to local Australian, there is a different flavour everywhere you turn. For a sushi fix, head to O Sushi Restaurant, or dine in at Selfish on The Strand for fresh seafood. The Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar Restaurant at Mermaid beach is perfect for that fine dining experience, or grab a coffee from The Black Sheep Espresso Baa.

The Gold Coast - Place and People

On the east of Australia’s Queensland state, the Gold Coast has a warm subtropical climate and attracts tourists year round. International visitors and locals alike flock here to enjoy the laidback lifestyle and atmosphere.

Attractions

Beautiful beaches, theme parks, restaurants, nature walks; there’s not a lot that Coolangatta and the Gold Coast don’t have to offer.

● Sunbathe on one of the many beaches up the coast, such as Coolangatta Beach and Rainbow Bay, or inland on the riverbank at Budds Beach.

● Go whale watching at Tweed Heads, or take a river cruise on the Tweed River with Rainforest Cruises.

● For big attractions that the Gold Coast is famous for, head north from Coolangatta to Surfers Paradise, or take your family for a day trip to Sea World.

Public Transport

Should you need some public transport options, there are buses and trains which run on a regular basis. You can catch either of these from the airport, too, making arrival and departure on the Gold Coast simple and straightforward.

Weather

The weather is never very cold in Coolangatta. The summer temperatures average between 20-28°C but the hot and sunny conditions are often complemented with a refreshing sea breeze. In winter, the temperature lowers to a more comfortable 11-21°C, and the days are less humid.