Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Honourable Catherine King

Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Brent Mickelberg

07 August 2026

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT: Doors Opening: First Tram Departs Burleigh

  • Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 opens to passengers this Sunday, connecting Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach for the first time.
  • Eight new stations and a 6.7-kilometre extension will provide more transport choices for residents and visitors.
  • The extension better connects communities to jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, beaches and local businesses.
  • The project will support the Gold Coast’s future growth while helping keep one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities moving.

From 6am on Sunday morning, the first passengers will board a tram service from Burleigh Heads, marking a major transport milestone for the Gold Coast.

The opening of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 extends the G:link network by 6.7 kilometres and adds eight new stations.

This extension means connecting more communities along the line to jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment and some of the Gold Coast’s most popular destinations.

For the first time, residents and visitors can travel by tram from Burleigh Heads through Miami, Nobby Beach and Mermaid Beach to Broadbeach and beyond, making it easier than ever to enjoy the Gold Coast’s beaches, hospitality precincts, shopping destinations and local attractions.

The new stations at Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Beach South, Nobby Beach, Miami North, Miami, Christine Avenue, Second Avenue and Burleigh Heads will make catching public transport easier than ever before.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the opening was a major milestone for one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities.

“Today is about delivering the infrastructure that the growing community of the Gold Coast needs and ensuring that its residents and visitors have greater transport choices for years to come,” Minister King said.

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the Crisafulli Government and the City of Gold Coast on a project that will strengthen transport connectivity, support local businesses and help keep the Gold Coast moving.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the opening delivered on a promise to complete a major transport project for the Gold Coast.

“Today is about delivering for the Gold Coast and finally opening a project that local residents have been waiting far too long for,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“The former State Labor Government delayed this project, but the Crisafulli Government got on with the job and delivered.

“This extension will better connect communities, support local jobs and businesses, and make it easier for people to move between some of the Gold Coast’s most popular destinations.

“And with permanent 50 cent fares, Gold Coasters now have access to an affordable, convenient and connected public transport network that will continue supporting the city’s growth well into the future.”

Federal Senator Murray Watt said the opening of the light rail would deliver a world-class public transport connection for the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast Light Rail is critical infrastructure required to support the rapid growth in the Gold Coast over the next two decades,” Senator Watt said.

“The opening of Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail will significantly increasing connectivity to the city’s most popular destinations.”

Member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster said the extension would be a game-changer for the southern Gold Coast.

“Burleigh will become one of the best-connected communities in Queensland, putting more of the Gold Coast on locals’ doorstep and giving more visitors the opportunity to discover our iconic village,” Mr Vorster said.

“Best of all, completion of the Broadbeach to Burleigh link will deliver new and improved connecting services that will make the most of this investment and protect our lifestyle by easing congestion.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he expected this stage of the light rail to be the most popular on the network.

“The completion of the next stage of the Gold Coast’s incredibly popular light rail system is a huge milestone for our growing city,” Mayor Tate said.

“Gold Coasters and visitors will now have a seamless ride from Helensvale to Burleigh, a big win for locals, businesses and visitors.

“I am sure this will be the most popular of all. All aboard.”