PLAN YOUR VISIT
April is a pretty spectacular time to come to the Gold Coast. While the southern states begin to shiver, the Gold Coast is still basking in glorious warmth – perfect to enjoy an outdoor screening or head to the beach after a cinema session.
From the iconic Surfers Paradise beach to the dining precincts of Main Beach and Broadbeach and out to the lush, green hinterland, there’s a new experience waiting for you at every turn on the Gold Coast.
Theme parks, world-renowned beaches and year-round sunshine are just a few of the reasons 10.5 million visitors flock to the Gold Coast each year.
Plan ahead and book your trip to the Gold Coast for the next edition of the Gold Coast Film Festival, from 20 April – 1 May 2022.
With over 100 films, panels, outdoor screenings, parties, premieres, networking opportunities, and special events, we have a little something for every one to enjoy.
Start planning your trip now! Head to the Destination Gold Coast website or Queensland.com for everything you need to plan your trip to the Gold Coast.
Stay up-to-date with travel restrictions and health advice by visiting the Queensland Government and Queensland Health websites.
ABOUT THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast has set the scene for blockbuster movies and world-class surf events, but there’s much more to this seaside region than meets the eye.
Whether you’re a dedicated surfer or a sophisticated foodie, with over 70 kilometres of glistening coastline, the largest concentration of theme parks in the southern hemisphere, and a thriving arts and culture scene, there’s plenty to discover on the Gold Coast.
Start your morning like the locals do, with a beachside coffee and walk through Burleigh Heads National Park – or soak up the sea breeze in a sunlit café.
Wander through treetop walks in the ancient Gondwana rainforest of the hinterland, take a dip in a waterfall swimming hole, then catch sunset from a rooftop bar back in the city.
Connect with Indigenous culture at Jellurgal. You’ll get the chance to see the land through the eyes of Aboriginal guides, working to keep local Yugambeh customs and stories alive.
And when it’s time to fill your plate, you’ll have your pick of the state’s best restaurants and bars on your doorstep.
For inspiration on planning your trip, what to do, where to eat, drink, stay as well as local tips visit Queensland Uncovered: https://blog.queensland.com/destinations/gold-coast-destinations/
GETTING HERE AND GETTING AROUND
There are planes, trains and automobiles. And buses and trams. And a brand new ferry service! You could also consider using Uber or hiring a bike, scooter or car.
BY CAR
If you’re driving to the Gold Coast from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba or northern New South Wales, follow the signs from the M1 to Surfers Paradise.
Take M1 exit 69 (Southport Nerang Road) from the north or exit 87 (Southport Burleigh Road) from the south and follow the signs to Surfers Paradise.
Our main hub HOTA, Home of the Arts is only 5 minutes from Surfers Paradise by car or Uber and has free 4 hour parking. Find your quickest route to HOTA, Home of the Arts by clicking here.
BY AIR
Travelling from further afield? Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is the closest airport to all the Gold Coast Film Festival action, only 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise. From the airport, jump on the SkyBus which drops passengers at over 400 hotels on the Gold Coast (including QT Gold Coast). Tickets for the Skybus are $21 one way, $38 return for adults, and kids travel free with family tickets and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Can’t fly directly to Coolangatta? No worries! Fly into Brisbane Airport and catch the Airtrain to the Gold Coast. Hop off at Helensvale station and catch the G:Link Gold Coast Light Rail to connect you to your hotel in Surfers Paradise. The Light Rail even stops right outside QT Gold Coast, our official accommodation partner – it’s almost like we planned it.
Hire cars are easy to pick up from Gold Coast or Brisbane airport, with all the usual car hire companies available. Gold Coast airport is only 30 minutes by car to Surfers Paradise, and Brisbane Airport is approximately 60 minutes.
Uber is also a popular method of transport on the Gold Coast and can be great for getting from the airport or to our different venues. An Uber from Coolangatta Airport to Surfers Paradise is around $40-$50 and Ubers from Brisbane Airport are around $80-$100. Getting from Surfers Paradise to HOTA, Home of the Arts is only a $8-$12 Uber.
If you are staying at QT Gold Coast – lucky you! – they can loan you bikes. It’s a 12 minute bike ride to HOTA. Or if you want to stretch your legs and soak in the sunshine, HOTA is a 25 minute walk away.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
The Gold Coast has heaps of transport options to get you to any of our screening venues. Getting around Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach is easy with the G:Link Gold Coast Light Rail, or jump on the bus to head further south to Coolangatta.
Use the Translink journey planner to plan your trip by public transport to any of our screening locations across the Gold Coast.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY
There is truly every type of accommodation option available on the Gold Coast – hostel, apartment, motel, hotel or Airbnb. You can stay beachside or in the stunning hinterland.
QT Gold Coast is the official accommodation partner of the Gold Coast Film Festival! Exclusive to Gold Coast Film Festival, guests receive 20% off the best room rate available by using the code GCFF22.
Celebrating eclectic design and bold entertainment, QT Gold Coast offers guests an intriguing yet relaxing beachside experience. Standing tall just back from the golden sands of Australia’s most spectacular coastline, this contemporary resort sets a new standard in designer accommodation in Surfers Paradise. Blending nostalgic surfer chic and Miami catwalk cool, QT Gold Coast is deliberately intended to satisfy appetites, inspire conversation and arrest the senses. With four on-site dining options, QT Gold Coast satisfies every appetite. Have a cocktail at Stingray Lounge, fuel up on a mosaic of foods at Bazaar, indulge in high tea at Fixx or dine on authentic Japanese at Yamagen.
To book, visit www.qthotelsandresorts.com/gold-coast/.
The hub and main venue for the Gold Coast Film Festival is HOTA, Home of the Arts, which is a five-minute drive from Surfers Paradise QT Gold Coast or 20 minute walk.
The G:Link Light Rail also stops outside the hotel and connects Helensvale to Broadbeach in a 40-minute one way trip, and connects to our other events in Broadbeach, Southport and Helensvale.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO ON THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast has so much to offer! We have everything from theme parks and attractions to our amazing beaches and picturesque hinterland.
There is something fun and exciting to do every night of the week on the Gold Coast. Move over New York, the Gold Coast is the city that never sleeps. We have live concerts, comedy nights, trivia, outdoor performances, music events, art galleries, shopping centre, incredible dining options and cinemas across the Gold Coast.
Check out the Destination Gold Coast website for things to see and do on the Gold Coast or for all the latest entertainment news, cultural events and music gigs head to Blank GC.