If you’ve got a layover in Coolangatta, don’t let it go to waste sitting at OOL. The city, in Australia, is within easy reach — roughly 120 minutes by Surfside Bus Route 777 (connecting to G:link tram). Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of OOL:
- Can you legally enter Australia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 120-minute journey each way by Surfside Bus Route 777 (connecting to G:link tram), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting from OOL to Coolangatta
The most straightforward way into Coolangatta is the Surfside Bus Route 777 (connecting to G:link tram), which takes about 120 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 140 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Surfside Bus Route 777 (connecting to G:link tram) is usually the smarter call.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Coolangatta, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Storing Your Luggage at Gold Coast Airport
Luggage storage is available at Luggage lockers are located in front of the terminal building, between the check-in and arrivals area.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Coolangatta.
What’s Worth Seeing in Coolangatta
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Coolangatta, two standouts are:
- Coolangatta Beach / Snapper Rocks — You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
- Point Danger Lookout — A quick stop here is rewarding — great for photos.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside OOL, you can spend time at Qantas Club Lounge or try Rydges Gold Coast Airport Hotel. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Coolangatta, local travelers recommend Cafe D’bah. If you have time for a second stop, Baskk Italian is another popular pick.
Back at OOL, Runway Restaurant & Bar is the go-to. Velocity Cafe & Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at OOL include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Australia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and OOL is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Coolangatta and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Coolangatta genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.