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

Fiji

Direct flights from Gold Coast Airport from 11 June 2026

A tropical escape doesn’t get much easier than Fiji. From June 2026, travellers can fly direct from Gold Coast Airport to Nadi with Fiji Airways, making island time closer than ever.

Think turquoise water, palm-lined beaches and resorts that make switching off effortless. Fiji works beautifully for family holidays, romantic getaways and relaxed group trips, with snorkelling, island hopping and cultural experiences all within easy reach. At just over three hours flight time, it’s the kind of holiday that feels far away, without the long haul.

Flying into Nadi also unlocks easy onward travel to North America, with connections to Los Angeles, Dallas–Fort Worth and Vancouver.

 

Bali

Island escapes with plenty of variety

There’s a reason Bali continues to draw travellers back year after year. Flights between Gold Coast Airport and Denpasar are serviced by Virgin Australia and Jetstar, giving travellers flexibility when planning their island getaway.

Mornings might begin with coffee overlooking the ocean or mist rolling over rice terraces inland. Days unfold between beach clubs, boutiques, temples and tucked-away cafés, before evenings arrive with sunset skies and long tables. Dinner after a day by the pool has never looked so good. Coastal hubs bring a lively buzz, while quieter inland escapes offer space to slow things down.

Bali suits quick getaways and longer stays alike, with enough variety to feel fresh each time and a flight path that keeps planning simple from the Gold Coast.

Darwin

A bold break in the Top End

Stepping off the plane in Darwin feels different straight away. The air is warm, the pace slows, and life moves outdoors. Flights between Gold Coast Airport and Darwin commence from March, opening the door to a Top End escape that feels a world away.

Food is part of the experience here. Laksa is taken seriously, markets are a must-visit, and fresh seafood features heavily on menus across the city. Between meals, get up close with some of the Top End’s most famous residents at crocodile shows, or venture further to discover waterfalls, swimming holes and ancient scenery just beyond the city limits.

Evenings are best spent outside, with sunset skies, waterfront walks and a relaxed energy that lingers long after the day cools down. Darwin delivers a holiday that feels immersive, memorable and refreshingly different.

 

Auckland

New Qantas flights from Gold Coast Airport from 16 June 2026

International travel from the Gold Coast continues to grow in 2026 with Qantas launching direct flights between Gold Coast Airport and Auckland from 16 June 2026.

The service will operate three times per week, marking Qantas’ return to international flying from the Gold Coast and offering Business Class seating on this route. Auckland blends city life with nature in a way few places can, with waterfront precincts, creative neighbourhoods and volcanic landscapes all within easy reach. It’s also an ideal starting point for exploring more of the North Island.

Hobart

Cool-climate charm, food and creativity

For a change of pace, head south to Hobart. Just under three hours from the Gold Coast, Hobart offers a refreshing mix of historic streets, contemporary art and standout food.

Spend time wandering Salamanca Market, visiting MONA, sampling local seafood and wines, or heading out on day trips to rugged coastlines and wilderness areas. Hobart suits long weekends and slower travel, with plenty to discover beyond the city itself.

 

Planning starts here

Dreaming is the easy part. Planning starts here at Gold Coast Airport.
Check out all destinations flying in 2026 and start locking in your next trip.

See where you can fly

Related articles

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…

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.

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.

Aboriginal flag with black top half, red bottom half, and a yellow circle in the centre. Acknowledgement of Country

Gold Coast Airport respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the cultural landscape on which Gold Coast Airport is situated, the Bundjalung and Yugambeh people, and pays respect to their Elders past, present and future.