The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 has entered passenger service, extending Queensland’s G network south from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads and marking a major milestone in the development of public transport on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The new section adds 6.7 kilometres of double-track light rail and eight new stations, taking the complete G network to approximately 27 kilometres and 27 stations between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads.
Passenger services on the extension commenced on 9 August 2026, providing direct light rail access to communities along the southern Gold Coast for the first time.
Stage 3 Extension
Stage 3 extends the existing route southwards along the Gold Coast Highway from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads.
The project includes:
- 6.7 km of new light rail alignment
- Eight new stations
- Dual track predominantly within the centre of the Gold Coast Highway
- Five additional light rail vehicles
- Upgrades to the existing Southport depot and stabling facilities
- New light rail and bus interchange connections
- Associated signalling, telecommunications, control and traction power infrastructure
The journey between Broadbeach South and Burleigh Heads is expected to take approximately 16–17 minutes.
With Stage 3 operational, the G fleet has increased to 23 trams.
Alstom Completes Rail Systems Delivery
Alstom has confirmed completion of its systems contribution to Stage 3, covering the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of telecommunications, signalling and control systems required for passenger operations.
The new systems have been integrated with an enhanced control platform at the network’s Operational Control Centre (OCC).
A new Disaster Recovery Centre (DRC) has also been introduced to provide additional resilience for operational control functions.
Alstom has been involved across all three stages of the Gold Coast Light Rail programme and has supplied the complete tram fleet as well as key signalling and digital infrastructure.
The company’s Vienna-built light rail vehicles have become distinctive features of the Gold Coast network, including their provision for carrying surfboards.
Alstom also continues to provide fleet maintenance on the Gold Coast, with individual trams reportedly travelling more than 100,000 kilometres per year.
Delivery of the Project
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is being delivered for the Queensland Government through GoldlinQ, with John Holland responsible for design and construction.
The project represents an investment of approximately AUD 1.549 billion, jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast.
Stage 3 has involved substantial integration with the existing operational railway, including extensions and modifications to signalling, communications, traction power, operational control and depot systems.
Testing and commissioning ahead of passenger service included progressive tram testing along the extension and verification of signalling, communications, control and overhead traction power systems.
Expanding the Gold Coast’s Public Transport Network
The extension significantly expands the catchment of the Gold Coast’s principal light rail corridor.
G now provides a continuous light rail connection between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads, linking residential areas with employment, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment and major tourist destinations.
The project is also intended to encourage greater integration between light rail and the wider Translink bus network, with bus services around the southern Gold Coast being reorganised following the opening of Stage 3.
For the rail industry, completion of Stage 3 demonstrates the challenges involved in extending an operating urban light rail system while maintaining compatibility across rolling stock, signalling, telecommunications, control, power and maintenance systems.
With the Burleigh Heads extension now carrying passengers, Stage 3 represents another significant expansion of one of Australia’s busiest light rail networks.
Sources: Railway-News; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads; Queensland Government Ministerial Media Statements.
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