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Getting to your Gold Coast Cruise
Planning your Gold Coast cruise adventure? The good news is you won’t need to travel far. Cruises depart from three central waterfront locations—Sea World Cruises Terminal at Main Beach, Mariners Cove Marina, and Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf (Appel Park). Each spot is well-connected by tram, bus, or car, making it simple to get from your hotel to the pier.
If you’re staying in Surfers Paradise, you’re right in the heart of the action. Just hop on the G:link light rail to Surfers Paradise station and stroll over to the ferry wharf. Heading to Main Beach? A short bus ride or quick taxi will get you to Mariners Cove Marina or the Sea World Cruises Terminal in minutes. For those driving, parking is available at Marina Mirage and near Surfers Paradise wharf, so it’s a stress-free option if you’ve rented a car.
Plan your cruise here
Book tickets for Gold Coast cruises
2 ways to travel to your Gold Coast Cruise
By tram/bus
By car/taxi
The G:link light rail makes it easy to reach the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf at Appel Park. Both Cavill Avenue and Cypress Avenue tram stops are within a 10-minute walk to the wharf.
If you’re cruising from Main Beach, hop on bus route 705, which runs every 10–20 minutes from Surfers Paradise to Marina Mirage on Sea World Drive. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes and costs just AUD 1–3. From the bus stop, it’s a short 5-minute walk to the marinas, or you can grab a quick taxi (2 minutes, AUD 7–9).
Duration: 5–15 minutes from most Surfers Paradise hotels or tram stops
Cost: AUD 1–3 (bus/tram only), AUD 7–16 (short taxi rides)
Convenience: Frequent, air-conditioned services that run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours, seven days a week
Driving is straightforward—just 5–15 minutes from central Gold Coast hotels to either Main Beach or Surfers Paradise terminals.
If you’re headed to Mariners Cove Marina or Sea World Cruises Terminal, Marina Mirage offers free parking with 657 spaces (including undercover and disabled). Do note, parking is limited to 12 hours, and cars left longer may be towed. For the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf, paid parking options are available close by.
Prefer door-to-door convenience? Taxis and rideshares cost AUD 7–20, depending on traffic and pick-up point.
Duration: 5–15 minutes from central Gold Coast hotels
Cost: AUD 7–20 by taxi or rideshare
Convenience: Luggage-friendly, group-friendly, and drops you right at the terminal entrance
Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast cruise location
Where do Gold Coast cruises depart from?
Cruises usually depart from three central points: Sea World Cruises Terminal (Main Beach), Mariners Cove Marina (Main Beach), and the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf at Appel Park. Your ticket confirmation will specify the exact departure location.
Can I get to the cruise terminal using public transport?
Yes! The G:link light rail stops at Cavill Avenue and Cypress Avenue in Surfers Paradise—both within a 10-minute walk of the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf. To reach Main Beach terminals, bus route 705 runs every 10–20 minutes from Surfers Paradise to Marina Mirage on Sea World Drive.
How much does public transport cost to reach the cruise location?
A short tram or bus ride typically costs AUD 1–3. If you prefer a quicker option, a taxi from Surfers Paradise to Main Beach takes just 2 minutes and costs around AUD 7–9.
Is parking available at the Gold Coast cruise terminals?
Yes. Marina Mirage offers complimentary parking with 657 spaces, including disabled and undercover bays (limited to 12 hours). At the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf, paid parking is available nearby.
How long does it take to reach the cruise departure points from Surfers Paradise hotels?
Both Main Beach and Surfers Paradise wharf are only a 5–15 minute ride away by car, taxi, or public transport. Walking from Surfers Paradise hotels to the wharf usually takes 5–10 minutes. Read more here.
How much does a taxi or rideshare cost to the cruise location?
Taxis and rideshares from Surfers Paradise to Main Beach or the Surfers Paradise wharf generally cost between AUD 7–20, depending on the distance and traffic.