AUSTRALIA: Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 has opened to passengers, extending G:link to Burleigh Heads and creating a continuous tram connection from Helensvale through the city’s southern coastal suburbs.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 reaches Burleigh
Passengers can now travel from Burleigh Heads to Broadbeach by tram for the first time. Image: Keolis

Passenger services on the 6.7-kilometre Broadbeach South–Burleigh Heads extension began on 9 August 2026. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads says Stage 3 adds eight stations and five trams. It describes the operating system from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads as 27 kilometres long, with 27 stations and 23 trams.

For passengers, the main change is the southern reach of the network. G:link now continues beyond Broadbeach South through Mermaid Beach, Nobby Beach and Miami to Burleigh Heads, allowing a continuous tram journey from Helensvale to Burleigh.

Eight new stations extend G:link south

The official Stage 3 station map lists the new stops as Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Beach South, Nobby Beach, Miami North, Miami, Christine Avenue, Second Avenue and Burleigh Heads.

Mermaid Beach station is near the Gold Coast Highway intersection with Crescent Avenue and Montana Road, while Mermaid Beach South is slightly south of Markeri Street. Miami North is opposite Miami State High, and Miami station is between Hythe Street and Miami Shore Parade. At the southern end, Second Avenue sits on the edge of Burleigh Heads and the terminus is just south of Goodwin Terrace.

The project map also identifies east-west bus connections at Christine Avenue and Burleigh Heads, adding transfer points between the tram corridor and surrounding suburbs.

Don’t miss…Ontario Line Pape Contract Covers Tunnels, Two Stations

Passengers should check Translink for current departures

GoldlinQ’s launch information gives the start date for passenger services but does not state a single regular post-opening headway for Stage 3. Passengers can use Translink’s G:link timetable and journey planner for current departure times rather than rely on an unverified fixed interval.

Although passenger services are now operating, the Department of Transport and Main Roads notes that some finishing works may still be required after the start of service.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…GBRf Class 99 Begins Commercial Freight Service in UK