Gold Coast to Melbourne flight information

Itching for a dose of fashion or theatre or a day exploring laneway bars? These are just a few of the things Melbourne is known for, and with 10 Gold Coast to Melbourne flights running every day, Jetstar can jet you south and have you soaking up the best of Melbourne in just two hours.

Quick flight facts

Origin Gold Coast (OOL)
Destination Melbourne - Tullamarine (MEL), or
Melbourne - Avalon (AVV)
Flight time 2 hours 5 minutes (AVV)
2 hours (MEL)
Distance 1,335km (to MEL)
1,385km (to AVV)

What makes Melbourne such a great destination?

Grab a cheap flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne into either Melbourne or Avalon Airports, jump on into an airport transfer and dive into Melbourne’s shopping precincts and coffee culture, its sports arenas and film festivals, its graffiti art and award-winning restaurants. Explore bohemian inner-city suburbs like Fitzroy and Collingwood or discover Melbourne’s version of beach culture in St Kilda. Further afield, there are wineries and coastal resorts, snowfields and historic country towns to explore. You’ll leave invigorated, inspired – and maybe exhausted! - but it’s worth it!

One of Melbourne's famous laneways
One of Melbourne's famous laneways

Airport information for Gold Coast to Melbourne flights

Departing from Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

Gold Coast Airport is roughly a half-an-hour drive from Surfers Paradise. If you’re driving, there is ample long-term parking that is only a minute’s walk from the terminals. You can also reach the airport by taxi, rideshare, Skybus or train and connecting bus. There is only one main terminal at Gold Coast Airport and all flights leave from that terminal; however, some flights are considered international and have different check in times. Make sure you carry the correct ID with you, regardless of if you’re flying domestic or domestically on an international flight.


Arriving at Melbourne Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Airport is 23kms from the CBD and most Jetstar flights into Melbourne land at Terminal 4. Melbourne Airport is located 23kms from the CBD and there is a range of ground transportation to get you from the airport to the city, including taxis, car hire, ride shares and airport transfers including the Skybus, which operates 24 hours a day. It will take you roughly half an hour to drive into the city when traffic is light. During peak hour, roads can get congested, so plan accordingly.

Arriving at Avalon Airport (AVV)

Jetstar also offers Gold Coast to Avalon flights. Avalon is located 56kms from Melbourne and 21kms from Geelong. Only comprised of the one level, it’s certainly a faster exit out of the airport compared to Tullamarine. Once you land, head outside for ground transport – bus, taxi, ride share and the Skybus which can take you to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station in the CBD or into Geelong (with connections beyond). If you're planning a road trip further afield like the great ocean road, Avalon Airport has all the major car hire companies present.

Gold Coast to Melbourne FAQs

What’s the distance between Gold Coast and Melbourne?

It’s 1709 kilometres from Gold Coast to Melbourne, so you wouldn’t want to walk it. But if you’re one of those people who like to get your 10,000 steps in, this trip will net you 2,136,250 steps!

How long does a flight from Gold Coast to Melbourne take?

The flight from Gold Coast to Melbourne is exactly 2 hours – plenty of time to watch a blockbuster. Just don’t watch Jurassic Park or you’ll miss the last seven minutes.

What time do I need to be at the airport if I have checked in online for a Gold Coast to Melbourne flight?

Checking in online does save time, but it’s still good to get to Gold Coast Airport with a bit of time to spare, especially if you need to check your bags in. For domestic flights Jetstar’s bag drop closes 30 minutes before departure, and it's best to get to your gate around 30 minutes before departure.

How early do I have to be at the airport for a Gold Coast to Melbourne flight?

Check-in for domestic flights opens two hours prior to departure, so allow enough time to check in, drop your bags off, clear security and make your way to the gate. Factor in potential queues (or the temptation to stop off for one last swim).

What's the best way to travel from Gold Coast to Melbourne?

It’s hard for anyone to leave that constant, honey-warm sun of the Gold Coast, knowing they’re heading back to Melbourne’s mad weather. So it’s best to get on a plane and do it quick – just like pulling a BandAid off.

Melbourne's skyline and the Yarra River
A view of Flinders Street Station and Melbourne CBD from Southbank

Flying from somewhere else?

Find cheap flights to Melbourne from other cities.

What's the weather like in Melbourne compared to Gold Coast?

Compared to the Gold Coast’s endless sunny days and sub-tropical climate, Melbourne’s weather can easily be described as chaotic. Renowned for having ‘four seasons in one day’, it can be wildly changeable. Summer can feature scorching hot spells followed by stormy cool changes, and winter can be chilly, wet and windy. Spring and autumn, however, can be lovely, with mild temperatures and breezy, sunny days – but still pack an umbrella, as October is generally the wettest month of the year in Melbourne, and always use sunscreen as the UV can be deceptively high.

Want the full Melbourne travel guide?

Want to slide straight into Melbourne like a local? Find out when to go, what to do and so much more, right here in our Melbourne destination guide >