Light rail reaches Burleigh Heads as Stage 3 opens to passengers

The Queensland Government confirmed that Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 would carry its first passengers from Burleigh Heads on Sunday 9 August 2026, with services starting at 6am. The extension pushes the G:link network 6.7 kilometres further south, linking Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads directly by tram for the first time.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg announced the opening alongside federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, Senator Murray Watt, Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster and Mayor Tom Tate. The project was jointly delivered by the federal and state governments and the City of Gold Coast. Speakers framed it as essential infrastructure for the city's growth over the coming decades and expect the new stage to become the busiest section of the network.

• Eight new stations: Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Beach South, Nobby Beach, Miami North, Miami, Christine Avenue, Second Avenue and Burleigh Heads
• A continuous light rail journey now runs from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads
• The state is keeping its permanent 50-cent public transport fares

Why it matters for developers & landowners: High-frequency transit along the Gold Coast Highway corridor tends to underpin planning support for greater density. Sites within walking distance of the new stations at Mermaid, Nobby Beach and Miami are likely to attract stronger interest from apartment and mixed-use developers.

Source: Queensland Government Media Statements, published 7 August 2026. Summary and commentary by GC Prestige — read the original article for full details.