Blogs & Tips

Explore travel tips filled with insider knowledge and clever hacks to kick-start your journey through Gold Coast Airport and beyond.

Two women walking side by side through an airport terminal, smiling and pulling rolling suitcases.
Travel Inspo

Where to Holiday from Gold Coast Airport in 2026

New year. New leave dates. New places to explore.

2026 is shaping up to be a big one for travel from Gold Coast Airport, with new international flights, familiar favourites and plenty of holiday inspiration closer to home.

Below are some holiday ideas worth saving for later, or booking sooner than planned.
Two children standing inside an airport terminal near large windows overlooking the tarmac, holding a plush toy and wearing backpacks.
Inside GCA

5 Kid-Friendly Things to do at Gold Coast Airport

Waiting at the airport with kids can feel like a test of patience. They’re hungry, restless, and somehow, five minutes feels like an hour. But at Gold Coast Airport, there’s plenty to keep your little ones entertained (and you sane) before you board.

From puppy cuddles to plane spotting, here are five ways to turn the pre-flight waiting game into a fun one.
Four-image collage showing Queenstown scenery, a luxury pool villa in Bali, a Melbourne tram, and surfers in the ocean in Honolulu.
Travel Inspo

Where to Travel Next According to Your Star Sign

Finding a holiday that feels just right is like destiny, like it’s written in the stars. With that in mind, let’s take a peek at your zodiac sign to guide the way to your next vacay. These aren’t about predicting your future — just a fun way to match your star sign with dreamy getaways.

Whether you’re an Aries, Pisces, or any sign in between, the stars have some fun suggestions for you. Plus, with Gold Coast Airport connecting you to so many amazing spots, your zodiac-inspired adventure is closer than you think.

So, where should you jet off to? Let’s see…
Close-up of a woman with her hand across her face, showcasing gold jewellery including rings, bracelets and earrings.
Inside GCA

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Airport Look with Mimco

Let’s be real, airport style is a skill. It’s a fine balance between comfort, confidence and looking like you didn’t just wake up at 3am to catch a flight.

The good news? Mimco has officially opened at Gold Coast Airport, bringing its signature mix of luxury and laid-back cool right to the terminal.

So before you board, here are five Mimco must-haves to give your airport look the glow-up it deserves.
Two people clinking cocktail glasses over a table with plates of burgers, fries, and pasta at a restaurant.
Inside GCA

Top 5 Reasons to Arrive Early at Gold Coast Airport

Not a morning person? Funny how a flight changes that, right? Suddenly, you're up at the crack of dawn, eager to get to the airport early. So, you may as well make the most of that extra time. From retail therapy to grabbing a bite or relaxing in style—here are five things to do at Gold Coast Airport that'll have you feeling those holiday vibes well before takeoff.
A sailboat glides across calm blue waters at sunset, with the Darwin city skyline and lush green coastline in the background.
Travel Inspo

Darwin - Tropic Like It’s Hot

While winter on the Gold Coast might only call for a light jumper and a few cooler mornings, sometimes you just want to chase that real tropical heat. That’s where Darwin comes in.

Hand holding a Milkman’s OG Milkman cookie in blue packaging in front of Gold Coast Airport terminal signage with palm tree and clear blue sky.
What's On

Cookie Before You Fly? Here's What It Says About You

Milkman’s Cookies are landing at Gold Coast Airport this July. Find out what your cookie choice says about you – and which destination you should fly to next.
Scenic view of Auckland city skyline at sunset from Mount Eden, with green hills in the foreground and the harbor in the background.
Travel Inspo

10 Must-Do Things in Auckland

Craving a new adventure? Look no further than Auckland, where stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences and endless entertainment options await. And getting there is a breeze – with direct flights from Gold Coast Airport to Auckland, you’ll be exploring this exciting city in no time.

To help plan your trip, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 must-do things in and around Auckland.
Two travelers seated at a modern dining area inside Gold Coast Airport, enjoying drinks and snacks with luggage beside the table.
Inside GCA

Best Eats at GCA

You’ve checked in, breezed through security, and now, it’s time to treat your tastebuds. Lucky you—because Gold Coast Airport’s got a lineup of mouthwatering bites and bevvies that’ll have you arriving early just for the food.

Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some must-try foodie delights to savour before you fly. Let’s dig in!
Two travelers holding hands on the tarmac at Gold Coast Airport with a white aircraft in the background under a clear blue sky.
Travel Inspo

Cheeky Weekends Away: Quick City Escapes from Gold Coast Airport

Sometimes, all you need is a cheeky weekend getaway to recharge before Monday comes back around. Whether you're visiting family, attending a special event or simply seeking a relaxing weekend away, your trip starts with getting there quickly.

With regular and convenient flights from Gold Coast Airport, you can easily jet off to some of Australia's most vibrant cities without breaking the bank or taking time off work. But where to first? Check out these iconic destinations to start planning your perfect weekend escape.
Open suitcase neatly packed with striped shirts, denim jacket, white sneakers, round wicker bag, sunglasses, and travel wallet on a bed.
Travel Hacks

Luggage Hacks: 6 Tips for Easy Packing and Travel

Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or planning your next epic adventure, clever packing can make a world of difference. These six luggage and packing tips will help you breeze through your next journey, from preventing over-packing to ensuring your luggage has a smooth trip.
Aerial view of Larnach Castle surrounded by lush gardens on the Otago Peninsula, with rolling green hills and the Pacific Ocean in the background under a clear sky.
Travel Inspo

Your Go-To Guide to Dunedin

Dunedin, nestled at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, is a blend of Scottish heritage, rugged landscapes, quirky charm, and even penguins! Just a quick flight from the Gold Coast with Jetstar, this city offers everything for adventurers, history buffs and nature lovers alike.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve created a guide with the best things to do in and around Dunedin and recommendations for where to stay and dine.

Let’s jump in!
Coastal view near Hamilton, New Zealand, showing tall grasses in the foreground, rolling hills to the left, and the ocean stretching into the horizon at sunset.
Travel Inspo

Your Go-To Guide to Hamilton

Ready for a New Zealand adventure? While Auckland often steals the limelight, Hamilton is making waves with its unique blend of urban cool and lush garden charm. Just a quick getaway from Gold Coast Airport with Jetstar, Hamilton offers epic green spaces, quirky shops, and an iconic tea estate that'll make you feel a little fancy.

Here are some experiences to add straight to the top of your itinerary, plus some top picks for where to stay and dine.
Traveler inside a duty-free Perfume & Cosmetics store at Gold Coast Airport, standing with a carry-on suitcase near displays of luxury brands including Dior and Marc Jacobs.
Inside GCA

What to Buy Before You Fly (That Might Win You a Holiday)

COMPETITION CLOSED: Welcome to the ultimate pre-flight edit.

Think of this as your boarding gate mood board. It's equal parts stylish, snackable and practical. Fuel up, pick up or sprint for that last-minute Nutella cruffin. If it’s $6 or more, it could be your ticket to New Zealand.

One $6+ spend. One uploaded receipt. Six chances to win*.
Promotional graphic for Gold Coast Airport and Jetstar NZ Giveaway featuring a bright pink background, bold letters “NZ,” and an orange airplane illustration above the word “Giveaway.<br/>
What's On

Your Next Trip Could Start at the Checkout!

COMPETITION CLOSED: It’s not every day your almond flat white or last-minute travel essential could score you return flights to New Zealand… but here we are.

To celebrate our brand-new direct Jetstar flights to Hamilton and Dunedin, we’re giving away six return trips to New Zealand throughout June. All you need to do is spend $6 at a participating Gold Coast Airport retailer and enter the draw.*
Travel Hacks

Picking Up Your Wheels at Gold Coast Airport: The Chill Route

The Gold Coast looks like a beach strip from the plane window, but that's only the postcard version. The real trip, the one with rainforest waterfalls & hidden local gems only happens if you've got your own car. Public transport gets you up and down the coast well enough, but it won't take you to Tamborine, it definitely won't take you across to Byron, and it moves on someone else's timetable, not yours.

Picking up a hire car at OOL means the whole region opens up the moment you land: beaches one way, hinterland the other, another state entirely if you feel like it. No waiting on connections, no missing the last bus back, just your own schedule and a full tank of fuel
Mt Tambourine Waterfall
Travel Inspo

Trade the Beach for the Rainforest

Everyone who flies into Gold Coast Airport heads for the beach. Fair enough, it's what the Gold Coast's known for. But the hinterland is the trip nobody plans until they're already here, and it's the one you can only really do properly with a hire car. There's no direct bus route stitching together a waterfall, a winery and a rainforest walk in one day. A car is what turns "the Gold Coast" from a strip of coastline into an entire region, and this particular region has a wild backstory.
Driving through Northern Rivers
Travel Inspo

Two States, One Day Trip, Zero Stress.

With a hire car and a full tank, the Tweed Coast and Byron Bay are an easy day trip south of the border. Here's the route, the stops, and the reason it only works if you're driving yourself.