Travelling from Melbourne to Gold Coast
One of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations, the Gold Coast boasts an incredible 300 sunny days a year, and a long 52 kilometres stretch of white sandy beaches. Enjoy the thrills at the theme parks, the Queensland-vibe foodie scene, and the welcome cool down in the nearby hinterland and national parks, when you book flights from Melbourne to Gold Coast with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Melbourne to Gold Coast flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this popular destination.
Arriving at Gold Coast Airport
Once you’ve arrived at Gold Coast Airport it’s approximately 27 kilometres to the golden beaches of Surfers Paradise, 18.5 kilometres to Broadbeach, and just under 14 kilometres to Burleigh Heads.
For a great-value commute option to the popular beach areas board Surfside Bus Line, route 777 from Gold Coast Airport, travelling north, with stops to Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Miami, Mermaid Beach, and Broadbeach. From Broadbeach South Station you can then further connect to Surfers Paradise and Southport on G Link Trams. Purchase the TransLink go card, either online prior or at the busway station - simply tap on for this journey, and for other travels during your holiday on the Gold Coast.
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 Melbourne Airport
Located 23 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, Melbourne Airport is best accessed by the Skybus service which runs regular services 24-hours a day, from various city locations including central Southern Cross Station.
Another option for the commute to Melbourne Airport is via taxi / rideshare - or self-drive utilising the Melbourne Airport short-term or long-term parking facilities.
The drive time is approximately 25-minutes from central Melbourne in non-peak hour, however allow plenty of time during peak travel times as the journey is likely to take longer in traffic.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 3 (T3) for your Virgin Australia Domestic flight from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
What time do you need to arrive at Melbourne Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage, we recommend that you arrive at Melbourne Airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, and have your bags dropped at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee before your flight.
Read more in our Melbourne 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 Gold Coast attractions and essential things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast at No Name Lane, Café & Bar
Upon arrival from your Melbourne to Gold Coast flight jump on the convenient Surfside Bus Lines to Broadbeach South tram station, and once you’ve dropped your bags off at your Broadbeach hotel (we love Peppers Broadbeach and the newer Qube Resort) you’re ready to explore all the Gold Coast has to offer. For breakfast you’re off to No Name Lane Café & Bar, a Melbourne-esque style café in Broadbeach (which turns into a cocktail bar when the sun sets).
10.00am – Surfers Paradise
It’s time to walk off breakfast - make your way along the beach, have a swim before the day gets too hot, and continue the walk on to neighbouring, world-famous, Surfers Paradise.
11.00am – SkyPoint at Q1
Your next adventure is SkyPoint, the 230-metre high observation deck located in Australia’s tallest residential building, Q1, for an incredible aerial view of the Gold Coast and hinterland. For the adventurous, conquer SkyPoint climb that starts at the observation deck on level 77.
12.30pm – Lunch at Social Eating House and Bar
It’s lunch time, and today’s treat is at 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.
2pm – Natural Bridge, Numinbah Valley
The next adventure is a self-drive exploration of the Gold Coast’s must-see Natural Bridge in the Numinbah Valley. This Valley is home to waterfalls, 7 great hiking trails, walking trails, caves and many species.
5pm – Brewery visit and experience
Time for urban tracks- you’re off to one of the Gold Coast’s breweries. Depending on the day choose between Black Hops in Burleigh Heads, open Wednesday to Sunday, offering tasting paddles from their 16 taps in their industrial vibe taphouse; Burleigh Brewing - a craft brewery and taphouse that features a brewmaster brewery tour, open late both Friday and Saturday; or further south to Currumbin for a visit to Balter Brewing - open Wednesday to Sunday, this 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 lucky you might even see the odd pro surfer there too.
7pm – Dinner at Gemelli, Broadbeach
Time for a quick freshen up back at the hotel, dinner tonight is booked at Gemelli in Broadbeach. A packed restaurant 7 nights a week, the Carney brothers (twins, which translates to Gemelli in Italian) have introduced an Italian establishment, dare we say, set to rival those back in Melbourne. Savour the fresh-made pasta or woodfired pizza, and pick a wine from their extensive list of imported and local selections.
9.00pm – Drinks at Aloha Bar & Dining
The last stop for your Gold Coast adventure are drinks at Aloha Bar & Dining. Tucked away in a Broadbeach laneway, this is a hidden gem with tiki-style rooms full of Hawaiian-kitsch paraphernalia. Try one of their fabulous cocktails – with names like ‘Dirty Hula Girl’ and ‘Return of the Gidget’ how could you resist?
Where to stay on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast offers an incredibly diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets - along the coastline from Coolangatta in the south, to Runaway Bay in the north - and in the scenic areas of the Gold Coast hinterland.
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a great location to stay on the Gold Coast if you like to be amongst the action, and central to eateries, pumping bars and night clubs. There’s an extensive range of accommodation from value-friendly budget style, to well-known international brands.
Broadbeach
A suburb south of Surfers Paradise and you’re in Broadbeach, a central and popular area to stay for both couples and families, with a diverse range of hotels, incredible restaurants, and great cafes such as 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, plus the pristine kilometre-long white sand strip. A great area to stay for families.
Burleigh Heads
Stay in Burleigh Heads if your kind of scene is one with great cafes and vegetarian eateries, 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 families and couples looking for a more relaxed seaside vibe, cool eateries, white-sandy beaches, and stunning natural beauty. Start the day with a stair climb to Elephant Rock where you’ll experience views all the way to Surfers Paradise in the north and Coolangatta in the south, then grab a coffee at Stable Coffee + Kitchen for your walk back to your hotel.
Coolangatta
It’s the closest beach to Gold Coast Airport, yet Coolangatta has somehow managed to retain its old-school beach vibes. An area to stay for great eateries, cool cafes, expansive and less crowded beaches. It’s even home to an antique shop – 20th Century Antiques and Collectables, full of eclectic collectables. Coolangatta is renowned for its annual event each June, Cooly Rocks, celebrating cars, music and culture of the 50s, 60s and 70s. If planning to stay during this event be sure to book your accommodation in advance.
Southport
Southport is more-so known as the CBD of the Gold Coast, however it maintains a blend of city spice with natural beauty. Southport is a great area for families to stay, with multiple restaurants, great shopping, plus Broadwater Parklands - complete with a water park and Aquatic centre.
Gold Coast Hinterland
For a slower tempo, and cooler temperatures, opt for a stay in the Gold Coast Hinterland, where you’ll find nature at your doorstep. Most accommodation is based in Mount Tamborine, however there are also some found in Springbrook and Canungra. Explore more with our Gold Coast Travel Guide.
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 Melbourne - it’s very popular over the harsh Melbourne winter months.
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 a great time to visit the Gold Coast to escape the Melbourne weather, with sunny dry days, lower humidity, less rain, and temperatures a comfortable average of 11-21 degrees.
Spring (September to November) is a good time to visit to enjoy the many water sports on offer, September often being windy is ideal for windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing. The temperature is a comfortable 15-25 degrees.
What to pack for your trip to the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast can experience some cold nights in Winter especially if staying near the ocean or in the cooler hinterland areas, however given you’re used to Melbourne winters you will most likely think it’s pretty mild.
Bring comfortable shoes for your urban and hinterland adventures, swimwear and a hat 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, however given you’re used to Melbourne winters you will most likely think it’s pretty mild.
Must Packs
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- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket or long-sleeve top for evenings
- Winter: in addition to a summer wardrobe, pack jeans, long-sleeved tops, and a light to medium weight jacket
- Spring: a light jacket or long-sleeve top for evenings
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Melbourne to Gold Coast is 2 hours and 5 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 1,335 kilometres on your flight from Melbourne to Gold Coast.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 5 direct flights a day from Melbourne to Gold Coast, and an additional 18 flights including a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 6.10am to 4.00pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Melbourne to Gold Coast route. Find more information on our fleet here.