Welcome to the Gold Coast
With its signature mix of sun, surf, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations. Stretching along 57 kilometres of pristine beaches and surrounded by world‑class dining, natural attractions, and vibrant cultural precincts, the region offers the perfect backdrop for AMPS & APSCOM 2026.
Visitors can enjoy everything from early‑morning beach walks and ocean swims to exploring lush hinterland rainforests, thriving arts hubs, and bustling café and dining strips. Whether this is your first time here or a welcome return, the Gold Coast blends professional convenience with a resort‑style atmosphere ideal for conferences and events.
Travelling to the conference is straightforward, even if you’re arriving from interstate or overseas. Gold Coast Airport is nearby and easily accessible via bus and tram services. For those flying into Brisbane Airport, regular train services connect directly to the Gold Coast, with a simple transfer to the G:link tram for travel to the venue.
Tuesday Afternoon Activities at Bond University
On Tuesday afternoon, the program starts at Bond University, located in beautiful Robina, just a short drive inland from the coast. Known for its striking architecture, lakeside campus, and world‑class facilities, Bond offers an inspiring setting for workshops, presentations, and networking.
Delegates will be transported to Bond for the scheduled sessions, with time built into the program to explore and enjoy Australia’s leading private university campus.
Conference Venue: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise https://crowneplazasurfersparadise.com.au/
The Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise serves as the main venue for the 2026 AMPS & APSCOM Conference. Centrally located between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, the hotel combines modern conference facilities with sweeping ocean views and comfortable accommodation options for delegates.
Its dedicated event spaces, outdoor areas, and onsite amenities — including restaurants, pools, and direct tram access — make it an ideal base throughout the conference program. Most sessions, keynote presentations, and social gatherings will take place onsite at the Crowne Plaza.
Details for accessing special rates at the Crowne Plaza have been sent to attendees via email and in the newsletter, please get in touch if you have not been able to access these!
Tram (G:link):
The light rail connects key coastal precincts from Broadbeach to Helensvale, making it a reliable way to reach popular areas including Surfers Paradise and Southport.
G Link – https://ridetheg.com.au/
All fares on Translink services across Queensland are a flat rate of 50 cents per journey, regardless of how far you travel on the network or how you choose to pay. This includes all bus, train (excluding Airtrain services), ferry, tram (G Link) and on-demand services in South East Queensland.
Contactless:
You can tap on and off with a credit or debit card at the start and end of your trip. Visa or Mastercard is accepted, including virtual cards on a smart phone or other smart device. Each customer must use one card or device – and tap on and off with the same one to avoid being charged an extra fee. For example, if you tap on with your smart watch, tap off with it too.
Or, start exploring for $1.50 a day: go explore offers tourists and visitors freedom and flexibility when using public transport during their stay.
- Only $1.50 per day for unlimited travel.
- Reload up to eight day passes on your card.
- Travel on non-consecutive days.
Buses:
Translink services provide extensive coverage across the region, including connections between the beaches, hinterland, and major shopping and dining precincts.
Rideshare & Taxis:
Uber, DiDi, Ola, and local taxi services operate widely and are often the quickest way to move between accommodation, venues, and nightlife.
Airport Access:
Gold Coast Airport sits at the southern end of the coastline, with shuttle services, taxis, and rideshare available for direct transfers to Broadbeach and the conference venue area.
For most attendees, getting between accommodation, the Crowne Plaza, and key coastal locations is simple and efficient.
Things to Do
If you’re in the mood for shopping, explore Pacific Fair Shopping Centre or browse the boutiques in Broadbeach. For nature lovers, take a scenic walk through the lush rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland or unwind with a picnic at one of the many local parks. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or entertainment you’re after, you’ll find it all within easy reach.
Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Qld 4217: Sea World is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Wet n Wild Pacific Highway, Oxenford, Qld 4211: Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast is a massive water park situated in Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, owned and operated by Village Roadshow Theme Parks.
Warner Bros. Movie World Pacific Highway, Oxenford, Qld 4211: Warner Bros. Movie World is a movie related theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is owned and operated by Village Roadshow since the take over from Time Warner and is the only movie related park in Australia.
Dreamworld Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Qld 4211: Dreamworld is a theme park and zoo situated on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is Australia’s largest theme park with over 40 rides and attractions, including five roller coasters.
The Star Gold Coast Broadbeach Island, Broadbeach, Qld 4218: Casino with live shows, dining and entertainment. Previously known as Jupiters Casino.
Currumbin Sanctuary 68 Teemangum St, Currumbin QLD 4223: An iconic Gold Coast destination, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a zoo and wildlife park.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach, QLD 4217: Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast is Queensland’s largest shopping and dining destination and home to an expansive collection of iconic global brands and leading Australian fashion stores.
And of course – the Gold Coast’s famous beaches! The Gold Coast has over 52km of coastline, so don’t forget to enjoy the sand and surf! The Crowne Plaza is just a 5 minute walk to the water, with several lifeguard towards in the area.
Other Accommodation options
The Meriton Suites – https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/our-hotels/qld/gold-coast/broadbeach/