The Gold Coast is a linear city — 40 km of beachfront — which makes getting around straightforward but time-consuming without a vehicle.
G:link light rail is the best public transport option. The tram runs from Helensvale (rail connection to Brisbane) through Southport, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach, stopping at all the major tourist points on the northern strip. It is frequent, air-conditioned, and cheap. A single fare covers any journey on the tram.
Buses (Translink) fill in the gaps the tram does not cover, including routes to Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, and the hinterland. Frequency drops significantly south of Broadbeach. A Go Card (reloadable contactless card) provides the cheapest fares on both tram and bus.
Driving and parking: A car is useful for reaching Burleigh, Coolangatta, Springbrook, and Lamington National Park. The Pacific Highway along the beach is heavily congested during peak hours and school holidays; local knowledge about backstreet routes saves significant time. Paid parking is widespread in Surfers Paradise; the southern beaches tend to have free parking.
Cycling: A shared bike/pedestrian path runs the length of the beach esplanade and is pleasant in the early morning before it gets crowded. Hire bikes and scooters are available from multiple operators. The path extends from Coolangatta to well north of Surfers Paradise. The hinterland roads, while scenic, are steep and unsuitable for casual cycling.
Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Ola) are plentiful across the strip and reasonable for short hops.