Updated 30 January 2026: The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 is a significant $1.5 billion transport infrastructure project being developed in Gold Coast, Queensland. Delivered by John Holland, this 6.7-kilometer extension prolongs the existing tram network from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, featuring eight new stations and enhanced accessibility. While this stage is actively in the testing phase with a targeted mid-2026 opening, the government officially cancelled the future Stage 4 extension (to Coolangatta) in September 2025 due to significant cost blowouts.

Despite this cancellation, the region’s economic outlook remains robust, supported by a broader $20 billion major works pipeline—including the proposed Gold Coast Arena and various residential precincts—that continues to drive international investment and growth. This momentum is mirrored in New South Wales, where the government has greenlit the $3.9 billion Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to unlock housing supply. This 10-kilometer extension will connect the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park, facilitating the construction of new high-density precincts like Camellia and Melrose Park, and featuring a 320-meter bridge over the Parramatta River.

Published July 26 2023: Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk officially received the brand new trams for Australia’s Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3. Before transportation of the trams to the Port of Brisbane, five new light rail vehicles embarked on the journey to the Gold Coast by sea. Thereafter, they were delivered down to the M1 via a 76-wheel trailer. 

The new trams will be used during the light rail to Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads’ extension. However, way before joining the current and operational fleet, the trams will undergo various forms of testing. The tests will be done at the Southport depot. 

Australia’s Gold Coast Light Rail is a result of a partnership with the City of Gold Coast and the Federal Government. Quite impressively, Annastacia Palaszczuk noted that the total Light Rail fleet for the $1.2 billion project, alongside pre-existing trams will accelerate to 23. 

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Australia’s Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 completion date

By 2024, the Australia’s Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 targets to begin track laying and complete works in 2025. The trams feature enhanced accessibility elements, that make them more accessible and inclusive. These include elements such as braille signs, as well as double-accessible spaces. Alongside, 20 priority seats on every train. Additionally, the project has shifted vertical handrails to create a wider passageway for prams, wheelchairs, walkers, and additional mobility aids.

Within the state of Queensland, the Light Rail is the only mode of public transport. According to a press statement, it surpasses 73 million paid passenger trips since opening to the public in 2014. Moreover, the integrated and intricate network often helps in connecting residents to one of the region’s most fastest-growing cities. In regards to employment opportunities, the megaproject will directly support over 760 local jobs. Mark Bailey, Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister said that the development aims to demonstrate the State Government’s continued investment, especially towards expanding public transport services.