Explore the facilities inside Gold Coast Airport
This page provides information on walking distances, lifts and escalators, water fountains, seating, Changing Places facilities, assistance animals and relief areas, as well as hearing loops and braille signage.

Distances
While Gold Coast Airport is smaller than other domestic and international airport terminals, we appreciate that moving through the terminal can be challenging for some passengers.
The table below shows some of the journey distances you can expect as you move through the terminal.
From | To | Journey Distance (metre) |
---|---|---|
Arrivals Entrance | Domestic Baggage Reclaim | 50 to 124 |
Domestic Baggage Reclaim | Taxi Rank | 150 to 200 |
Check-in Counters | Check-in Counters | 50 to 225 |
Check-in Counters | Main Security Screening | 100 to 175 |
Check-in Counters | Domestic Departures Lounge | 150 to 250 |
Check-in Counters | International Security Screening Point | 350 to 450 |
There is priority seating for people with additional needs available throughout the terminal, including at the boarding gates. These are either green coloured or labelled with the wheelchair symbol, or both the wheelchair and sunflower symbols.



Lifts & Escalators
Gold Coast Airport has lifts and escalators to ensure convenient and safe access for domestic travellers using Gates 19 & 20, and international travellers.

If you have additional mobility needs, use a wheelchair or pram, or are carrying multiple pieces of luggage then we recommend you use the lifts for ease and safety.

Water fountains
There are water fountains and automatic water bottle refill stations located throughout the terminal.
A wheelchair accessible drinking fountain is in the domestic departures lounge, opposite Gate 12.

Seating
There is a wide variety of seating options throughout the terminal, both in the main departure lounges (domestic and international), as well as in the terminal restaurants.
We recognise that many people need chairs with sufficient back support to relax comfortably and so we provide a variety of options to suit people of all abilities.

Accessible Toilets
Ambulant & Accessible Toilets
You will find ambulant toilet cubicles within toilet blocks throughout the terminal. Unisex accessible toilets are also located near or next to other toilet blocks within the terminal. Some accessible toilets include shower facilities



Changing Places Facility
An adult accessible change facility (AACF) is available, after security screening, in the domestic departures lounge opposite Boarding Gate 12.
The facility is equipped with:
- A height-adjustable adult-sized change table
- A ceiling track hoist for easy transfers
- A centrally located peninsular toilet
- Privacy screen, grab rails, sensor lights, and accessible shower
- Ample space for a traveller with a disability and up to two carers
Accessing the AACF
You will need a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) to access the facility. An MLAK is a universal lock and key designed to allow people with disabilities to access dedicated facilities.
Find out more information on how to order an MLAK key
If you do not have an MLAK and need to use the facility, then call one of our friendly terminal Duty Managers on +61 412 985 437 and they will give you the access code and instructions to open the door.

Assistance Animals
Assistance animals are welcome at Gold Coast Airport and on aircraft when they are helping a person who has low vision, blind or deaf. Airlines only permit assistance animals in the aircraft cabin if they are wearing their coat and have their ID medallion on their collar. The handler must also have their Handler ID.
Gold Coast Airport has two Assistance Dog Zones prior to security screening. One is along the northern walkway, north of the check-in area, and the other is near international arrivals at the southern end of the terminal. Both areas have a toileting space and pet-friendly water stations.

Before travelling with your assistance animal, you should contact your airline to confirm your animal is cleared to travel with you in the aircraft cabin. It is important you carry your animal’s proof of identification card, which has been issued by a relevant organisation and confirms the level of training your animal has received.
Assistance animals should be clearly identifiable and easy to recognise to ensure other travellers can differentiate between a working animal and a pet. For example, assistance animals might wear an assistance dog badge or special collar, coat, vest or harness.
Once on the aircraft, you must have a suitable restraint for your assistance animal and keep them on an absorbent mat for the duration of your flight.
Hearing Loop & Braille
The terminal is equipped with hearing loops in designated locations throughout the building, to assist those with hearing assistance devices tune into airport announcements.

The terminal also has braille signage and tactile ground surface indicators to help passengers with low or no vision to navigate more easily. We recognise that these can be an obstacle for those with mobility challenges and encourage people to take care when walking around the terminal.


Need Help?
Got questions about your journey through Gold Coast Airport? We've gathered the top FAQs to help you cruise through the terminal with ease.
Where can I find information for passengers requiring assistance?
Gold Coast Airport is committed to providing a comfortable and accessible experience. Please advise your airline when booking or before travel if you need assistance.
Visit our Accessibility page for details.
What support is available for passengers with hidden disabilities?
Gold Coast Airport’s Hidden Disabilities Program includes the sunflower lanyard, sensory maps, communication boards, quiet rooms inside the airport, and more. Visit our Hidden Disabilities page to learn more.
Does Gold Coast Airport have a Changing Places facility?
Yes. An Adult Accessible Change Facility (AACF) is available after security screening in the Domestic Departures Lounge, opposite Boarding Gate 12.
The facility includes:
- A height-adjustable adult-sized change table
- Ceiling track hoist for easy transfers
- Centrally located peninsular toilet
- Privacy screen, grab rails, sensor lighting, and an accessible shower
- Ample space for a traveller with a disability and up to two carers
This facility is designed to support travellers with high physical support needs and their carers.
Is there baggage wrapping available?
Yes. Baggage wrapping services are available opposite the Virgin Australia check-in counters.
Are there ATMs at Gold Coast Airport?
Yes. Multi-currency ATMs are located throughout the terminal and offer AUD, NZD, and JPY. Fees range from $2 to $25.
Where is the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) desk?
Located in the International Departures Lounge near the top of the escalators before Heinemann Duty Free. Inform check-in staff if you need to claim an item packed in checked baggage. For more information about TRS please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Are there Multi-Faith areas at the airport?
Yes, three Multi-Faith/Prayer Rooms are available:
- Near the main security point, opposite the domestic passenger screening area.
- In the Domestic Departures Lounge, near Hungry Jack’s.
- In the International Departures Lounge on Level 2, near WHSmith.
How early do I need to be at the airport for my flight?
Most domestic airlines require you to be at the check-in counter at least 60 minutes before departure. International airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before your flight. Be sure to check the guidelines provided by your airline.
Does Gold Coast Airport have more than one terminal?
Gold Coast Airport has one main terminal. Both domestic and international flights operate from this terminal.
Does Gold Coast Airport operate on Queensland or NSW time?
Gold Coast Airport operates on Queensland time (AEST) all year round.
Is Gold Coast Airport open 24 hours?
The terminal is open from 4:00am to 11:00pm daily. Entry is restricted outside these hours, and overnight stays inside the terminal are not permitted.
Does Gold Coast Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Are there smoking areas at the airport?
Yes. Designated smoking areas are located at the northern end of the terminal, along the northern car park walkway, and in the southern forecourt. Smoking, vaping, or using e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited inside the terminal and airside areas.
Are there lockers available at the airport?
Yes. Lockers are located at the front of the terminal in the short-term car park. Pricing varies depending on duration.
Which airline lounges are available?
Gold Coast Airport offers Virgin Australia Lounge and Qantas Club for eligible passengers.
How do I find out if my flight is delayed?
Check the Flight Information Display Screens on our website or throughout the terminal. You can also contact your airline directly.
Do I have enough time to transit between international and domestic terminals?
The International and Domestic Arrivals and Departures are located within the same terminal building. If arriving from an International flight, proceed to the right as you exit the International Arrivals area to check in. If you are arriving on a Domestic flight, proceed through the Domestic Arrivals corridor and, upon exiting, turn left — the Check-In area is located within a short walking distance. Refer to the Checking-In page for more information.
What’s the carry-on luggage weight limit?
Carry-on luggage weight limits vary depending on your airline. This is often included in your flight itinerary or booking details. For further clarification, contact your airline directly.