Gold Coast airport (OOL)

Gold Coast Airport (OOL), formerly known as Coolangatta Airport and inaugurated in 1939, is one of the fastest-growing air terminals in Australia. Strategically located on the border between Queensland and New South Wales, it serves as the main gateway to the Gold Coast and the Northern Rivers region. It operates an extensive domestic flight network and offers direct international connections to destinations such as Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Denpasar (Bali).

Official Website: goldcoastairport.com.au

Telephone: +61 7 5589 1100

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Terminals

The airport has a single terminal, recently expanded to increase capacity and improve the flow of domestic and international passengers. Due to local noise regulations, the facility is subject to a night curfew, operating from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm. Passengers are not permitted to remain inside the terminal overnight.

Annual Traffic (2025): 6 million passengers.

Information Points

In the domestic arrivals area, next to the security control area, there is an information and tourism centre where staff provide assistance regarding facilities, ground transport and accommodation options in the region.

 Location

The airport is located in the suburb of Bilinga, next to the town of Coolangatta, 25 km (16 miles) south of Surfers Paradise and 90 km (56 miles) south of Brisbane.

Accommodation near Gold Coast airport (OOL)

Although the airport does not have hotels located within its passenger terminal, there are several accommodation options in the surrounding airport area. The closest hotel is just a few metres from the terminal, allowing easy access on foot, while other nearby properties offer transport services for added convenience.

Nearby accommodation

• Rydges Gold Coast Airport: This is the closest hotel to the terminal, located just steps from the arrivals doors, eliminating the need for transfers. It features a resort-style outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and the Runway Café & Bar. Ideal for short stays or as a base thanks to its excellent public transport links and car hire facilities next to the hotel.
• La Costa Beachside Motel: This boutique-style property stands out for its cosy beachfront atmosphere and offers the added benefit of complimentary airport transfers for guests, free private parking, and bicycles for guest use.
• Pacific Place Apartments: Offers self-contained apartments with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, making it an excellent option for families or groups seeking a more independent stay close to both the airport and the coast.
• Gold Coast Airport Motel: A practical and functional option within a short walking distance of the terminal, offering competitive rates for short transit stays.
• YHA Coolangatta Gold Coast: The most budget-friendly option, popular with backpackers and younger travellers, offering a social atmosphere and affordable accommodation within easy reach of the airport. Facilities include an outdoor pool, barbecue area and free parking.

To explore more accommodation options and check real-time availability based on your travel dates, you can visit the following link:

Search and book hotels near Gold Coast Airport

Parking services at Gold Coast airport (OOL)

The precinct offers more than 3,000 parking spaces across six options to suit different needs and budgets. All car parks are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online booking is recommended to guarantee a space and secure better rates.

Parking options

• Premium: Fully covered parking located just a one-minute walk from the terminal. Ideal for maximum convenience and protection.
• Terminal: Offers excellent value for money, especially for stays of four days or more, where discounted rates apply.
• Budget Covered: Affordable covered spaces, ideal for both short and long stays, with discounts available for stays of four days or more.
• Budget Uncovered: Economical outdoor spaces within walking distance of the terminal. Offers discounts for stays of five days or more.
• Saver: Convenient uncovered parking a short distance from the international terminal. A good-value option for any length of stay.
• ParkFast (Domestic): Premium option for domestic flights with a valet-style service (you drop off your keys and collect your car on return from a locker). Check-in hours are from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm (midday). Online booking is required.

Pick-up & Drop-off zones

Passenger pick-up and drop-off zones are located in front of the terminal. This area is for quick stops only; vehicles must not be left unattended. For a longer farewell, you can use the short-stay car park, where the first 10 minutes are free.

There is an accessible drop-off area on the kerb at the northern end of the terminal, outside the Departures area.

Short-stay parking

Short-stay parking offers 10 minutes free for quick drop-offs or pick-ups. It also includes "Mobility Friendly" spaces (painted green and clearly signposted) that allow 1 hour free without requiring a disability permit. When exiting, press the "Help" button and inform the parking team that you have used this area so they can open the barrier at no charge.

More information and bookings: Book parking

Facilities for passengers with special needs

The Gold Coast Airport is committed to universal accessibility, offering a range of services and infrastructure designed so that all passengers can move through the terminal independently and safely.

Invisible disabilities

The airport is part of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme. Passengers with a non-visible disability (such as autism, hearing loss or chronic conditions) can request a sunflower lanyard or wristband at the terminal information desk. This identifier allows staff to discreetly recognise that you may need additional support, extra time or specific assistance while moving through the airport.

Facilities and assistance in the terminal

• Wheelchairs: If you require a wheelchair, you must arrange this directly with your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Airline staff will assist you from the check-in desk to the boarding gate or to your seat on board the aircraft.
• Accessible toilets: The terminal has accessible toilets located in public and departure areas. In addition, there is a Changing Places facility equipped with an overhead hoist, an adjustable-height changing bench and sufficient space for carers, located in the domestic departures area.
• Hearing systems: Induction loop systems have been installed in key areas of the terminal to assist passengers with hearing aids.
• Service animals: The airport provides two dedicated relief areas for service animals, one north of the check-in area and another near the international arrivals hall.

Parking and accessible transport

All airport car parks include reserved spaces for holders of disability permits, located as close as possible to terminal access points. Public transport is also accessible, with route 777 buses featuring low floors and ramp access. Taxi and ride-share pick-up points are also adapted to support passengers with reduced mobility.

Travel recommendations

It is essential to contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance to inform them of any specific requirements (medical oxygen, transport of electric wheelchair batteries, etc.). This ensures that the necessary arrangements are available upon arrival.