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Driving Guide to the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Swimming pool under water at Commonwealth Games

All eyes will be on Queensland this year, with the Commonwealth Games coming to various locations across the Sunshine State. The action will be centered around the Gold Coast. Sporting events are also planned for Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns. For visitors, this will be an exciting opportunity to see some of the best sights in Australia, while watching world-class athletes compete in the Games. 

For both visitors and locals, there is some important road and public transport information to know before travelling. VroomVroomVroom has put together a guide to help you navigate the 2018 Commonwealth Games.  

Driving information & road closures on the Gold Coast

It will be busy on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games, but that doesn't mean you can't hire a car and explore some of the sights. Driving is the easiest way to reach a lot of the Gold Coast's surrounding attractions. 

If you are a ticket holder, you can take advantage of the temporary Park n' Ride's that will be set up across the Gold Coast. These are provided at no cost to ticket holders, however they will need to be pre-booked. Locations like Beenleigh High and Varsity Lakes will service all venues, with smaller Park n' Ride's also servicing selected venues. 

If it is your first time driving in the Gold Coast, or if you are planning to visit Brisbane as well, you can read VroomVroomVroom's guides to these cities. We have put together some driving tips and car rental advice, however be aware that there is likely to be changes to the road 

If it's your first time driving in the Gold Coast, or Brisbane, VroomVroomVroom has put together guides to help you with driving tips and car rental advice. Be mindful that changes to central parking is likely in these locations.

Beautiful view of Gold Coast ocean in Australia

The following changes will affect travellers in South East Queensland:

  • A Games Route network will be set up to transport athletes and relevant vehicles to events. Temporary road closures and traffic control measures may be in place. This route involves major roads like the Pacific Motorway and the Gold Coast Highway. Designated Games Lanes will not apply in Cairns and Townsville. Unauthorized vehicles will be fined for using these lanes.
  • In Brisbane, the following roads will be affected by their allocation to the Games Route Network. The Logan Motorway, Gateway Motorway, Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road, Tilley Road, Old Cleveland Road. A temporary Park n' Ride facility will be set up at the Sleeman Centre.
  • The speed limits will be reduced on the M1, and the Gateway Merge at Eight Mile Plains.
  • Because of the increase to train services on the Gold Coast, the rest of Southeast Queensland will be running on a more limited schedule.
  • Areas like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach will be busier, with heightened security. There will be changes to parking. No on-street parking will be permitted on Staghorn Avenue, Peninsula Drive, Watson Esplanade or Cahill Avenue.

Visiting  the Gold Coast

It's going to be busy on the Gold Coast this year! The action starts at Carrara Stadium on the 4th of April with the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Sporting events will be held in different locations across the coast, including volleyball at Coolangatta, boxing at Oxenford Studios and bowling at Broadbeach. 

Hire a car at the Gold Coast

Visiting Brisbane

Brisbane will be hosting the cycling at the Anna Meares Velodrome on the 5th of April, as well as many other festival events. With VroomVroomVroom, you can hire a car in Brisbane and explore the city. Here are some ideas to help you start planning your trip to Queensland's capital city:

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Visiting Far North Queensland

If you're a fan of basketball, you'll need to head to Far North Queensland. Matches will be taking place in Cairns and Townsville. It is the perfect opportunity to visit these fascinating cities on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Book a car hire in Cairns

Renting a car in Australia

For more information about renting a car in Australia, read our comprehensive guide. You can also find out more about the licence requirements in Australia, or read some local driving tips.