The Gold Coast has opened a new chapter in its public transport network, with the long awaited third stage of the G officially commencing operations on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
The 6.7-kilometre extension adds eight new stations between Broadbeach South and Burleigh Heads, bringing the full tram network to approximately 27 kilometres. Commuters can now travel by tram from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads without having to move their car.
The journey between Broadbeach South and Burleigh Heads takes around 17 minutes. The extension also introduces five new trams, upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities, as well as new bus interchanges at Miami and Burleigh.
For visitors, the new route provides an easy way to explore some of the Gold Coast’s popular cafés, restaurants, bars, beaches and entertainment venues.
The first new stop is Mermaid Beach, located along the Gold Coast Highway near Crescent Avenue, Montana Road and Peerless Avenue. The station provides access to northern Mermaid Beach, the beach and the dining strip along the highway. Nearby options include Sunnyboy Espresso, Little Mermaid and Relaxed Espresso for coffee, while Bam Bam Bakehouse and Le Café Gourmand offer casual bites. For dinner, visitors can head to The North Room, Jin Izakaya or The Glenelg Public House. Mermaid Tavern, Mermaid Beach Surf Club and Bonita Bonita are also nearby for drinks, while Soak Bathhouse and Putt Putt Mermaid Beach offer activities.
Mermaid Beach South station sits just south of Markeri Street. The area is set to gain a major new attraction with The Alfred, which will bring more than 4,000 square metres of café, retail and dining space across three levels. Until then, visitors can explore nearby spots including The Milkman’s Daughter, Chut & Co, J’s Brunchette and SeeYo Cafe & Bakery. The Mermaid Beach Bowls Club and Woolworths Metro are also within easy reach.
Further north, Nobby Beach station opens access to one of the Gold Coast’s well-known dining and nightlife precincts. Visitors can start with coffee at Holliday Coffee, BSKT or Alfred’s Apartment before exploring The Oxley Precinct, which includes Bobby Bang’s, Giuseppe’s Deli, Mr Spiros Yiros and Buoy. Dinner options include Franc Jrs, Norte, Lars Bar & Grill, Bistro Margaux and Nobby Beach Surf Club. For drinks, Moustache, Eska, Sueno, Juju and Bine Bar and Dining are all nearby. Nobby Beach itself is around 400 metres away.
Miami North station, located opposite Miami State High School around Pacific Avenue, serves a growing area with a mix of established local businesses and newer venues. Coffee options include That’s Whyld Coffee & Connections and Velvet Café, while UE Bagels is nearby for a quick bite. Miami Fish Market offers a dining option, while Henchman and Padre are available for drinks. Miami Marketta, around 400 metres away, hosts live music and night markets.
The Miami station is located along the Gold Coast Highway between Hythe Street and Miami Shore Parade. It provides convenient access to the area around the colourful Miami Stairs, which connect Miami with Burleigh. Nearby places include Piccolo Espresso, Quade, Niche Espresso and Miami Takeaway. Visitors can also explore Mick Schamburg Park and North Burleigh Lookout, while Miami Tavern and SANDFIRE provide options for drinks.
Food lovers will want to take note of Christine Avenue station. The area is packed with cafés, bakeries, restaurants and bars, making it one of the route’s key stops for dining. Caffeine Kings, Pretty Handsome, Ace’s Coffee and Choubidou Cafe are nearby for coffee, while Paddock Bakery, Blend Greenness, Mohr Café & Deli, Palm Springs and Sushi Danbar offer food options. Bar Monte and Tide Bar & Kitchen are available for dinner, while Precinct Brewing, Roji Cat Beer Bar and Granddad Jacks offer drinks. Shoppers can also browse Heartfill and Uggs Since 1974.
The Second Avenue station marks the northern edge of central Burleigh Heads. The Burleigh Café is just 70 metres away, while Commune Café and Kostel Milk Bar are also nearby. Visitors can grab a bite at LiTO or Al Bacio Gelato before heading to Haven or Crispy Italian Bar for dinner. Light Years is another nearby option for drinks. The Gold Coast Oceanway and weekend markets at Burleigh Heads State School are within walking distance.
The final stop, Burleigh Heads station, is located immediately south of Goodwin Terrace and includes a new bus interchange. From here, visitors are close to Burleigh Beach, Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Hill and James Street.
Nearby food and drink options include Burleigh Heads Surf Club, Freddy’s, Hail Mary and Local, while Rick Shores, Jimmy Wah’s, Limlay Thai and SHOTO offer dinner options. For drinks, visitors can choose from Burleigh Pavilion, Paloma Wine Bar, Rosella’s and The Malibu Racquet Club.
Beyond dining, the Burleigh Heads station provides easy access to the beach, with Burleigh Beach around 72 metres away. Visitors can also walk through Burleigh Heads National Park, enjoy a picnic at Burleigh Hill, browse the shops along James Street or try barefoot bowls at Burleigh Heads Bowls Club.
