Most overseas tourists who visit Australia try to include a few days at the iconic beaches of the Gold Coast. Few realise that the Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta is a great departure point for budget flights to all major centres around Australia. Small and friendly though it is, the Gold Coast airport is home to several budget airlines offering cheap flights to New Zealand, Asia, and, via South East Asia, to the rest of the world. Thus, it is possible to fly to Paris or London or even Los Angeles via Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo.
By careful pre-planning, the tourist could fly into Australia at any entry point and fly out from Gold Coast airport using budget airlines with inexpensive stopovers at a number of Asian destinations and even dream island holiday spots such as Bali, Phuket or Krabi.
Budget Airlines Flying from Gold Coast Airport
The airline companies offering cheap flights from Coolangatta airport (OOL) are Airnorth, Pacific Blue, Jetstar, Air Asia, Tiger and Virgin Australia. While it does not usually qualify as a budget airline, Air New Zealand also operates from Gold Coast airport, with some remarkable deals to NZ, due to lower airport taxes at the Gold Coast.
Air Asia Offers Cheap Flights to South East Asia and Europe
Air Asia is undoubtedly the major user of the Gold Coast airport using Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia as its hub. It is possible to enjoy stopovers in this bustling, modern city, but the air giant Air Asia has many connecting flights from that hub. Using AirAsia and flying via KL, it is possible to access numerous South East Asian, Indian, Chinese and Japanese destinations … and travel through to Paris or London.
Australia Domestic Flights from the Gold Coast
The following domestic destinations are accessible direct from the Gold Coast: Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville. Moreover, flights can be cheap, depending, of course, on season and day of the week. If you have some flexibility, it is wise to check airline websites for best deals. Here are some one-way examples for a mid-week travel date, February 2012. Jetstar currently (December 2011) offers Gold Coast to Sydney for $45, to Melbourne $69 and to Cairns $79. Airnorth offers Darwin for $180. Tiger Airways offers Melbourne for $49.95. Virgin Australia offers Darwin for $275, Sydney $65, Melbourne $85.
It is clear to see that using Gold Coast airport as a hub, the tourist could see many of the iconic cities in Australia cheaper than by rail or coach.
Airport Facilities at Gold Coast
Gold Coast airport is small but it is an award-winning venue: in 2011 it was the winner of Best Regional Airport and winner of Staff Service Excellence. It has fast food outlets, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. There is a small range of retail outlets, especially for beachwear and the obligatory duty free store. Free wifi is available in the building and Travelex currency exchange also operates. Outside there is short and long term parking. Security is every bit as strict as major international airports. The one downside to flying from Gold Coast is the need to walk across the tarmac in all weathers and board via a flight of steps.
Nevertheless, the savvy traveller will realise that a lot of cash can be saved by choosing a regional airport and one so well-placed. Hire cars are available and a bus route allows access to the entire Gold Coast and, indeed, Brisbane, which is approximately one hour’s drive or 1½ hours by train from nearby Robina station. More information can be obtained on the airport website.
