Tips when renting a car at Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
- Dodge surge-pricing — expect to pay more during peak seasons (-Jan.) and during school holidays.
- License rules — foreign licenses in English are valid; an IDP is required otherwise.
- Drive to the left — Queensland rules apply. Give way to the right at roundabouts and take care at intersections.
- No tolls on the Gold Coast — but toll roads do exist around Brisbane.
- Gold Coast car rental — small cars are handy for beach holidays. Pick something bigger for hinterland drives. Be sure to note any pre-existing damage on your rental.
- Wildlife caution — keep an eye out for wallabies and koalas in hinterland areas, especially at night.
Why rent a car at Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
By landing in Gold Coast Airport (formerly Coolangatta), you’re dropped right into the action — theme parks, nightlife, and golden beaches. By renting a car at OOL, there’s no nook or cranny of the Gold Coast you can’t explore.
Surf at the famous Burleigh Heads, or head into Lamington National Park for a meditative rainforest walk. Trek the hinterland with a local guide, or take a cruise over the NSW border to the ever-popular Byron Bay.
While tour buses will give you a sneak peek of the Gold Coast, only with a Gold Coast rental car can you uncover all that Queensland has to offer.
Driving from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) – Getting Started
Gold Coast Airport is nestled on the NSW/QLD border, roughly 25 km from Surfers Paradise. The Gold Coast Highway provides easy access to coastal drives, while the Pacific Motorway sends you straight to the theme parks.
Common routes include:
- Theme Parks (Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, etc.) — 30-40 mins via Pacific Mwy
- Surfers Paradise — 40 mins via Gold Coast Hwy
- Byron Bay — 1 hr via Pacific Hwy
- Springbrook National Park — 1 hr via M1
- Brisbane CBD — 1.5 hrs via M1
- Lamington National Park — 1.5 hrs via Nerang
The Gold Coast may be toll-free, but heading north towards Brisbane or south to NSW involves electric tolls. Check in with your rental company as to whether your car comes with an e-tag.
Explore the Gold Coast and Queensland from Gold Coast Airport
Perched on the border to NSW, OOL is a convenient starting point for exploring regions in Queensland or New South Wales. A Gold Coast rental car gives you the freedom to visit beaches, hinterland rainforests, and even head into NSW for the day.
In and around the Gold Coast:
- Surfers Paradise — iconic beach, high-end shopping, and pumping nightlife.
- Burleigh Heads — oceanside parklands, surf breaks, and trendy dining.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary — native Australian animals in a natural setting.
- Coolangatta — laid-back beach town, quieter alternative to Surfers Paradise.
- Miami Marketta — buzzing night market with international street food and music.
Recommended day trips and scenic routes from Gold Coast Airport
- Theme Parks — rollercoasters, waterslides, movie rides, and family fun.
- Springbrook National Park — rainforest walks, glow worm caves, and waterfalls.
- Byron Bay — trendy beaches, alternative culture, and humpback whale sightings.
- Mount Tamborine — wine-tastings, rainforest skywalk, and artisan shops.
- Lamington National Park — birdwatching, hiking, and scenic mountain lookouts.
- Ballina — quiet beaches and coastal drives in NSW.
