Gold Coast Airport Terminal Facilities for Persons with Disabilities

Gold Coast Airport is dedicated to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all travellers, recognising the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. The terminal is equipped with a range of thoughtfully designed facilities and readily available services aimed at ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey from arrival to departure. For those requiring onward transportation to explore the Gold Coast and its surrounds, convenient car rental services, often offering accessible vehicle options, are also located within the airport precinct.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the accessible facilities within the Gold Coast Airport terminal. We will detail the various features and services available to assist passengers with disabilities, empowering you with the knowledge needed to navigate the airport with confidence. Additionally, we will highlight the accessibility of car rental options, ensuring you have the resources for a smooth and independent onward journey throughout the Gold Coast region.

Gold Coast Airport Terminal Facilities for Persons with Disabilities - Blog

Accessible Amenities Throughout the Terminal

Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilet facilities are conveniently located throughout all levels and areas of the terminal, including arrivals, departures, and both pre- and post-security screening zones. These facilities are designed with ample space for wheelchair users and include grab rails for support.
- For vision-impaired passengers, Braille signage is included on these facilities, providing clear identification.
Parents’ Rooms: Located at both the northern and southern ends of the terminal, parents’ rooms are equipped with accessible toilet facilities, as well as baby change stations and feeding areas, ensuring convenience for families with young children and accessibility needs.
Changing Places Facility: Gold Coast Airport features a fully equipped “Changing Places” bathroom located in the Domestic Departure Lounge, in the central amenities’ corridor, opposite Gate 12. This facility provides essential amenities for people with profound disabilities and their carers, including:
- A height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench.
- A ceiling hoist system.
- Additional circulation space to accommodate wheelchairs and carers.
- A privacy screen for dignity.
- Non-slip flooring for safety.
- Notably, an MLAK (Master Locksmiths Access Key) is not currently required to access this facility.
Hearing Loops: To assist passengers with hearing impairments, hearing loops have been installed in key areas throughout the terminal. These areas typically include information desks and designated gate areas. Passengers using hearing aids with a telecoil function can switch to the “T” setting to receive clear audio transmission directly through their hearing aid, reducing background noise.
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators: Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) are present throughout the airport to provide directional guidance and warning cues for vision-impaired passengers. These textured surfaces are located on walkways, near stairs, escalators, and other potential hazards, assisting with safe and independent navigation.
Accessible Drinking Fountains: Accessible drinking fountains, designed to be easily used by individuals using wheelchairs, can be found at various locations throughout the terminal, providing convenient access to hydration.
Lifts: The three-level terminal building is equipped with lifts providing easy and step-free access between all floors, ensuring that passengers with mobility challenges can navigate the different levels of the airport comfortably.
Rampways: In addition to lifts, rampways are provided alongside escalators in various locations. These ramps offer an alternative accessible route for wheelchair users, those using mobility aids, and anyone who prefers to avoid stairs or escalators.

Assistance Services Available at Gold Coast Airport

Airline Assistance: It is vital to inform your airline or travel agent about your specific assistance needs at the time of booking your flight or as soon as possible afterwards.
- Airlines are responsible for providing various forms of assistance, including the provision of wheelchairs, assistance with boarding and disembarkation (often utilising ambulifts or other specialised equipment where airbridges are not suitable), and general assistance while onboard the aircraft.
- For all specific assistance requests related to your flight, including mobility aids, seating preferences (where possible), and in-flight needs, you should contact your airline directly prior to your travel date.
AmbassaPAW Program: Gold Coast Airport offers a wonderful volunteer therapy dog program called AmbassaPAW. These trained and friendly dogs and their handlers roam the terminals, providing comfort and helping to alleviate stress and anxiety for travellers. Feel free to interact with these calming companions if you encounter them.
Hidden Disabilities Program: For individuals with non-visible disabilities, such as autism, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, or sensory sensitivities, Gold Coast Airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program.
- Wearing a Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to airport staff that you may require extra support, understanding, or time during your journey.
- As part of this program, Gold Coast Airport offers resources such as a terminal sensory map, which highlights areas with potentially high or low sensory stimulation. They also have a low sensory entry/amenity block/room available for those needing a calmer environment. Communication boards are also available to assist individuals with communication difficulties.
- For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program at Gold Coast Airport and to request a lanyard prior to your travel, please contact the airport directly or visit their dedicated page on the Gold Coast Airport website: https://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/at-the-airport/hidden-disabilities.
Priority Seating: Designated priority seating is available at boarding gates throughout the terminal. These seats are clearly marked with the international symbol of access and are intended for passengers with disabilities, individuals with limited mobility, families travelling with young children, and unaccompanied minors.
Security Assistance: If you require special assistance during the security screening process, please inform a member of the security staff. They are trained to provide assistance in a respectful and efficient manner.
- If you prefer, a private search room is available for security screening. Please advise a security officer if you would like to utilise this option.

Getting To and From the Airport: Accessible Transportation Options

Gold Coast Airport offers several accessible options for arriving at and departing from the terminal:

Accessible Drop-off and Pick-up Zones:
- Drop-off: A dedicated accessible drop-off zone is located kerbside at the northern end of the terminal, outside Departures. This area allows for convenient and level access for departing passengers with mobility needs. Remember this is for immediate drop-off only, with a 4-minute time limit for vehicles displaying a valid disability permit (driver must remain with the vehicle).
- Pick-up: The accessible pick-up zone is situated kerbside at the southern end of the terminal, outside the Domestic Arrivals area, within the designated Uber pick-up zone. This shared location provides a central point for accessible ride-share and private vehicle pick-ups.
Accessible Parking: Clearly marked accessible parking spaces are available in all public car parks at Gold Coast Airport (Short Term, Premium, Terminal, Budget Covered, Saver, Budget Uncovered). These bays are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit and are strategically located close to lifts and walkways for easier access to the terminal.
Mobility Friendly Parking: For passengers needing a bit more time but without a disability permit, one-hour free “mobility friendly” parking is available in the Short Term Car Park. These spaces are painted green and marked “Mobility Friendly 1 hour only”. Remember that no disability permit is required for these specific bays, but you will need to use the intercom at the exit for the free hour to be validated.
Accessible Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be requested in the Gold Coast region. A common provider is Gold Coast Cabs, and you can contact them directly to book an accessible taxi for your journey to or from the airport. Their contact details can usually be found online or via local directory services.
Public Transport: While not a direct terminal facility, it’s worth noting that some bus services operating to and from Gold Coast Airport are accessible. If you plan to use public transport, it is recommended to check the accessibility of specific routes and services with Translink, the public transport authority in South East Queensland, through their website or contact channels.
Car Rental: For onward travel around the Gold Coast, several car rental companies operate from Gold Coast Airport. It is advisable to book your rental vehicle in advance and specifically request a vehicle with any necessary accessibility features, such as hand controls or swivel seats, if required. Contacting the car rental companies directly will allow you to discuss your specific needs and ensure a suitable vehicle is available upon your arrival.

Choose Your Wheels: Car Hire on the Gold Coast

Having familiarised yourself with the accessible terminal facilities and transportation options at Gold Coast Airport, the next step to truly explore the beauty and diversity of the region is securing the perfect vehicle. Alpha Car Hire offers a wide selection of cars to suit every travel need, ensuring a comfortable and convenient way to discover the Gold Coast’s stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and vibrant attractions. With hassle-free airport pickup, you can seamlessly transition from the terminal to the open road, ready to create unforgettable memories at your own pace. Start your Gold Coast adventure the right way – choose your ideal wheels with Alpha Car Hire.