You can absolutely travel the Gold Coast without a car, as the region features one of the most integrated public transport networks in Australia. The backbone of the system is the G:link light rail, which connects major tourist hubs like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach to the heavy rail station at Helensvale. For coastal travel, the "700" bus route runs frequently along the Gold Coast Highway, servicing Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Coolangatta. To reach the famous hinterland or specific theme parks like Movie World and Dreamworld, dedicated "TX" express buses depart regularly from major transit centers. In 2026, using a Go Card or simply "tapping on" with a contactless credit card or smartphone makes the process seamless. While a car offers more flexibility for remote bushwalking, the combination of trams, buses, and the high availability of ride-share services like Uber makes a car-free holiday both feasible and stress-free for most visitors.