Most visitors fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) for the shortest transfer to beach accommodation, or Brisbane Airport (BNE) for the widest range of international connections. From either airport you can connect by rental car, rideshare, shuttle, or public transport. If your dive plans include Cook Island (NSW) or Byron Bay day trips, remember you may cross a state border with different daylight saving rules.

The closest airport to Surfers Paradise and the southern Gold Coast. Convenient for Cook Island and Tweed Heads departures.

Major international hub for Southeast Queensland with frequent domestic and long-haul connections. A good option if you want the most flight choices.

Within the core strip, the G:link light rail plus buses covers many neighborhoods.
For dive plans that involve early boat departures, multiple sites, or day trips (Cook Island, Stradbroke, Byron), a rental car is the easiest option.
Parking can be competitive at beaches and headlands on weekends. Start early for Burleigh and popular lookouts.

Australia requires an appropriate visa or travel authority for most visitors. Many travelers use an ETA or eVisitor, while others need a visitor visa.
Your passport should be valid for the duration of stay. Airlines may enforce additional validity buffers.
Australia has strict biosecurity rules. Declare food, outdoor gear that has been in freshwater, and any items with soil contamination.

Diving Logistics

Most boat operators provide tanks and weights. Confirm if Nitrox is available and whether you need to analyze your own cylinder.
Bring certification cards (or digital proof) and logbook evidence if you want deeper or current-exposed sites.

Flying With Gear

Pack regulators and computers in carry-on when possible.
Rinse and dry gear before flying to avoid mildew and to meet biosecurity expectations.
If you are flying domestic into OOL or BNE, check baggage allowances and consider renting heavy items (weights, tanks) locally.

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted across the Gold Coast. Carry a small amount of cash for small kiosks, parking machines, or markets, but you can usually travel cash-light.

ATMs are common in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and shopping centers. Rural Hinterland areas have fewer options, so withdraw before a day trip inland.

Australia uses plug type I. Most modern chargers are dual-voltage, but check your camera and laptop bricks before you plug in.

Communications

Mobile coverage is strong across the coastal strip with 4G/5G service from major carriers. Coverage can drop in rainforest valleys and some Hinterland trails. If you want to stay connected on a dive-heavy trip, consider an eSIM and download offline maps for day trips.

Language

English is the primary language. Tourism services are widely available, and signage is clear in major areas.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers scuba diving and freediving activities you plan to do. DAN membership is commonly used for dive accident coverage and medical advice support. If you are planning deeper, current-exposed, or repetitive days, do not treat insurance as optional.

Packing list

Water Kit

Wetsuit: 3mm often works in warmer months; many divers prefer 5mm in winter.
Surface signaling: SMB for scuba, plus a float and flag for snorkel or freedive sessions.
Sun and stingers: long-sleeve rashguard, reef-safe sunscreen, and a simple first-aid sting kit.

Topside Kit

Light rain layer for summer storms and Hinterland showers.
Walking shoes with grip for rainforest trails.
Reusable bottle and electrolytes for hot, humid days.

Gold Coast

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Diving Logistics

Flying With Gear

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity

Water Kit

Topside Kit