Skip the parking, not the party.
Skip the parking, not the party.
If there’s one thing the Gold Coast does well (besides sunshine and a solid marg), it’s making sure you get where you need to go without the stress. Enter: courtesy buses. Whether you’re heading out for a long lunch, a cheeky arvo session or a full send, these legends of the road have your back. Here’s your go-to list of GC courtesy buses (listed north to south) so you can focus less on finding a park, saving dollars on petrol or an Uber/taxi and more on having a damn good arvo on the Gold Coast.
Pacific Pines Tavern
This northern Gold Coast favourite is known for watching live sport at the Finishline Bar serving up all the action on a 150-inch screen alongside pool tables and darts. While the laidback Bistro delivers all the classics (think steaks, seafood and crowd-pleasing parmis) with plenty of space to settle in for lunch or dinner. Even better, is their courtesy bus, so getting there (and home again) is sorted — just call 0427 224 342 to book your spot.
Where: 8 Hotham Dve, Pacific Pines
Courtesy bus: Thursdays to Saturday from 6pm
Harbour Town Shuttle
Let’s be honest, parking at Harbour Town can be a bit of a… tricky time. Thankfully, the folks who run the place have us sorted with their very own shuttle running daily from Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, dropping you right to outlet doors. Book online, hop on and let the shopping begin!
Where: 147–189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Courtesy bus: Daily, from 9:15am pick-ups – 2pm departure (scheduled services)
Club Musgrave
The Club Musgrave courtesy bus is a service that operates for Club Musgrave members and their guests 7 days a week! Serving Southport for over 60 years this favoured club is a premier destination for lawn bowls and dining. Southport, Labrador, Molendinar, Ashmore, Coombabah, Arundel, Parkwood, Biggera Waters, Runaway Bay and Paradise Point are all within the courtesy bus pick-up/drop off zone. This service can be booked by calling the Club on (07) 5532 1277.
Where: Musgrave Ave & Kumbari Ave, Southport
Courtesy bus: From 4pm Monday to Friday and from 11am Saturday/Sunday
Wallaby Hotel
The Wallaby Hotel (est. 1883) is a Gold Coast icon, known for cold beers, live rock and good times, now beautifully refurbished and at the heart of the Mudgeeraba community. With a buzzing live music lineup, bistro, open-air deck, family-friendly spaces and even on-site accommodation, it’s the kind of place you come for a drink and end up staying all night. Which is why the free courtesy bus comes in handy. Phone 0438 354 436 or the venue on 075530 5600 for further details.
Where: 43 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Courtesy bus: Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm
Treetops Tavern
Tucked just 10 minutes from Burleigh Heads, Treetops Tavern is your go-to for everything from family meals to after-work drinks and weekend hangs. Whether you’re settling in for live sport, a casual catch-up or a little flutter, it’s an easy, all-rounder spot that covers all bases.
Where: 7 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters
Courtesy bus: Phone 0499 537 858 for available times
Burleigh Town Hotel
Need a lift? Sorted. Burleigh Town Hotel’s courtesy bus covers a generous 10km radius, including Varsity Lakes, Reedy Creek, Burleigh Heads and surrounds, making it one of the more flexible options on the list. It’s as simple as sending a text to lock in your spot. Ideal for those spontaneous pub nights. Text 0409 304 854 for more info and to organise pick up.
Where: Tsipura Dr, Burleigh Heads
Courtesy bus: Thursday 5pm–10pm, Friday 3pm–12am, Saturday 12pm–12am and Sunday 12pm–10pm
Tallebudgera Surf Club
Simple, easy and running daily – Talle Surf Club keeps things low-fuss. Their courtesy bus operates every day, just speak to the team to book on 07 5576 4415. Perfect for those who like a bit of structure with their surf club sessions (or just don’t trust themselves to organise transport after a few). Enjoy the added convenience of courtesy bus travel every day for both members and visitors of the Club. Their two courtesy buses operate within a 5km radius of the Club, on half hour increments during the times listed below.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Courtesy bus: Monday to Thursday 5pm to 9.30pm, Friday 5pm to midnight, Saturday 11am to midnight and Sunday 11am to 9.30pm
Palm Beach Surf Club
This one covers serious ground. From Burleigh Heads down to Tugun and out through Tallebudgera, Palm Beach Surf Club’s courtesy bus is a solid option for a wide catchment. Pro tip: book ahead, especially earlier in the day, because this one’s popular. Pick-up and drop-off points must be a residential or holiday location address only, so call 07 5534 2180 to organise your trip.
Where: Cnr 7th Ave & Jefferson Ln, Palm Beach
Courtesy bus: Thursday 12pm–8pm, Friday 4pm–9pm, Saturdays 12pm–9pm and Sunday 12pm–7:30pm
Currumbin RSL
A firm favourite for a reason. Currumbin RSL’s courtesy bus runs within a 5km radius and operates most afternoons into the evening. It’s well-organised (bookings recommended). Making it super simple, you can book online here: https://www.currumbinrsl.com.au/courtesybus/
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Courtesy bus: Wednesday & Thursday 4pm–9pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm–10pm and Sunday 11:30am-7pm
Currumbin Beach Vikings
Covering Currumbin, Tugun, Palm Beach, Elanora, Bilinga, and Tallebudgera, the Vikings’ courtesy bus is a bit of a weapon. It’s wide-stretching, reliable and perfect for those coastal crawls. Just call the driver directly to lock it in, and you’re good to go. To organise your lift to or from the club call the driver directly on 0408 643 015.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
When: Thursday from 4pm, Friday from 3:30pm, Saturday from 1pm and Sunday from 3pm
Moral of the story? The Gold Coast is practically begging you not to drive. Whether you’re beach club hopping or chasing a bargain, there’s a courtesy bus with your name on it.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
