Gold Coast Light Rail (Stage 3) Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, construct light rail

Gold Coast Light Rail is a world class public transport system for residents and visitors to the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is delivering a 6.7km extension south of the existing tram network to link Broadbeach South and Burleigh Heads.

Benefits

  • Reduces travel time
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Increases capacity
  • Reduces peak hour congestion
  • Contributes to economy
  • Accessibility

Key features

The Gold Coast Light Rail system is designed to be delivered in stages to respond to population growth.

The project will connect communities with business and jobs, hospitals and medical facilities, education, shopping, dining, entertainment and sporting centres. 

Through this critical infrastructure we will support the Gold Coast and its continued growth over the next 2 decades.

Key features of Stage 3: 

  • 6.7km extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads. 
  • Dual track in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway. 
  • 8 stations. 
  • Retain 2 traffic lanes either side of light rail tracks. 
  • 5 additional trams.
  • A journey time of around 16 to 17 minutes from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads.

Funding

The Australian Government, Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast are funding the project.

Investment ID: 938148

Total investment
$1.549 billion
Australian Government
$395.6 million
Queensland Government
$1.043 billion
Local government
$110.1 million

(Includes an additional $18.6m for ancillary works to be delivered in conjunction with the Stage 3 project.)

Current status

  • Light rail consortium GoldlinQ and its chosen design and construction contractor, John Holland, are delivering the project on behalf of the Queensland Government.
  • Major construction started in July 2022 with essential utility relocation and upgrades which continued in 2023 and 2024.
  • The groundwork has been laid in 2024 for track installation, platform and station construction throughout 2025.
  • Testing and commissioning is expected to start from the northern end of Stage 3 by late 2025, and the light rail system is expected to be open for passenger services in mid-2026.

What to expect during construction

To stay up to date as the project progresses, email the John Holland community engagement team at [email protected] to register for updates or visit the GoldlinQ project website.

Community engagement

The John Holland community engagement team will continue to engage with residents and businesses along the alignment to inform of construction activities and their potential impacts.

The Queensland Government project team undertook community engagement in August 2018.

Feedback noted:

  • nearly 7 in 10 people wanted more public transport services preferring light rail over bus
  • 86% supported Stage 3 and wanted the extension to the Gold Coast Airport as soon as possible
  • 72% of Stage 3 corridor residents supported future light rail extensions
  • 80% of Stage 3 corridor businesses supported future light rail extensions and wanted it as soon as possible.

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 detailed fly through

Video description

The Gold Coast Light Rail system has 19 stations from Helensvale to Broadbeach serviced by 18 G:link trams.

Light Rail is transforming the Gold Coast by providing a world class public transport service that is safe, comfortable, reliable and positioning the city for sustainable growth.

At completion of Stage 3, the operating system from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads will be 27km with 27 stations serviced by 23 trams.