How to get to Surfers Paradise and Main Beach

BY CAR Brisbane is only 80km to the north via the eight-lane Pacific Motorway. From Sydney the distance is approximately 855km. Travelling from here and coastal New South Wales is best via the scenic Pacific Highway. From Melbourne and regional New South Wales, Surfers is best approached via the inland New England Highway. Melbourne is approximately 1730km away.

BY RAIL Airtrain links Brisbane Airport, Brisbane CBD and the Gold Coast with an efficient train service. Queensland Rail has connections from the Gold Coast north to Brisbane. Railway stations (south to north) at Robina, Nerang, Helensvale, Coomera and Beenleigh.

BY SEA The Gold Coast has a world-class marina and boat maintenance facility to accommodate all vessels. The Coast offers 70sqkm of sheltered waterways that prove to be irresistible for boaties. There is also 446km of canals and tidal rivers around the suburbs to make the Gold Coast your port of call. Facilities include the Gold Coast Marine Precinct.

The Port of Brisbane is the second largest capital city port in Australia (in tonnage terms) and a major industry link. Brisbane also hosts major cruise companies with direct connections to Australia's Gold Coast. Australia's Gold Coast is now a super yacht must-see destination. Expect deep-water moorings and sophisticated facilities.

BY COACH Coaches travel along the pacific highway, motorway and New England Highways locally and from interstate. The major companies are Coachtrans, McCafferty's and Pacific West.

BY PLANE Domestic flights are serviced from all capital cities and Cairns. The Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) has extensive facilities including currency exchange, long and short term parking, internet kiosk, alfresco dining cafés and bars and duty free items. Direct International destinations include Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Hanoi, Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpa, Bali, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchuch. Domestic routes are Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne.

Brisbane's international and domestic airports are a one hour drive via the Pacific Motorway. International connections are available through Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways and United. Domestic connections are available through Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Sunshine Express from all capital cities and regional centres. Brisbane Airport includes currency exchange, parking, cafés, bars and duty free shopping.