Spilt Milk is the biggest it’s ever been and while it’ll be the greatest day of your year, this many people means some longer wait times getting in and heading home. Chances are, the time you’re planning to arrive and leave will be the same as everyone else. At most festivals, over 70% of people arrive within the same hour (normally 2-3PM) – which causes longer lines getting in, at the bars and at the restrooms during that time. To make your day as cruisy as possible, make sure you’re across the best ways to get to and from the festival below (and be prepared for some lines)
BEST WAY TO & FROM GOLD COAST SPORTS PRECINCT: FREE SHUTTLE BUSES
Getting there: The free event shuttle buses will drop you right out front the festival gates. There will be event shuttle buses picking up at Broadbeach State School (Margaret Avenue, Broadbeach) from 9:30AM – 4:00PM, and at Nerang Station from 10:00AM – 4:00PM to the venue. Shuttles will be running every 5-10mins (or until shuttles are full).
Getting Home: The free event shuttle buses will pick you up right outside the main entrance on Nerang Broadbeach Road, and will run back to Broadbeach South Station and Nerang Station from 7:30PM – 12:00AM. Shuttles will be running every 5-10mins (or until shuttles are full).
TRAINS
Getting There: If you’re taking the train to the Gold Coast on the day, hop off at Nerang Station and jump on the free shuttle buses running there to the event from 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Getting Home: Shuttle buses will be running back to Nerang Station from 7:30PM onwards, the last train back to Brisbane departs Nerang at 11.45pm northbound, and 12:12AM southbound so make sure you leave yourself enough time to lineup and get on a bus before then.
RAIL REPLACEMENTS: There are track works scheduled for Sunday 26 November if you’re travelling to the Gold Coast from Brisbane. Express rail replacement bus services will run between Roma Street and Beenleigh Stations, where you can transfer to a connecting rail service. More information on track closures can be found here. Journey affected by track closures? Consider staying the night in the Gold Coast and making it a Spilt Milk Weekender! Check out our accommodation guide here.
RIDESHARES/TAXIS AND LIFTS
Getting There: The car/taxi/rideshare drop off location is opposite the main entrance on Alabaster drive. There are road closures in place around the venue so we advise taking note of any traffic management signs as you approach the venue, and follow their directions to the carpark.
Getting Home: Private cars, taxis and Ubers will be able to pick you up from the same Alabaster drive carpark across from the main entrance. IMPORTANT: After 8PM Nerang-Broadbeach Rd will be closed from Birmingham Rd to Lawrence Drive so accessing Alabaster Carpark for pick up will be via Alabaster Drive. Please review your route before arriving to avoid delays and large detours.
CAR PARKING LOCATIONS
Getting There: We highly recommend catching the free Broadbeach State School (Margaret Avenue, Broadbeach) shuttle buses but if you are set on driving, there are an extremely limited number of public parking spaces available at Nerang Station. From there, you’ll be able to catch a free shuttle to the event from 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Getting Home: Shuttle buses will be running back to Nerang Station from 7:30PM onwards to get back to your car. Please drive safely and don’t drive if you’ve had any alcohol during the day
E-SCOOTERS
The scooter parking locations near Spilt Milk will be a short walk away, and can be located within the Lime app. If you intend to use one to get home from the festival, please remember to be safe for both yourself and other road users. It is also illegal and dangerous to ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
ROAD CLOSURES
There are road closures around Gold Coast Sports Precinct in the following locations:
Nergang-Broadbeach Rd: After 8PM, on departure from the event, Nergang-Broadbeach Rd will be closed from Birmingham Rd to Lawrence Drive so accessing Alabaster Carpark for pick up will be via Alabaster Drive. Please review your route before arriving to avoid delays and large detours.
Alabaster Drive: After 8PM, event traffic only
Lakeview Drive and Maryland Ave: Closed from 10AM – Midnight
TRAVEL TIPS
- Plan ahead to make sure you know where you’re heading and you’ve left enough time for your journey so you don’t miss any of your fave acts.
- Follow the signs and directions of event staff in and around the festival, and be respectful of any event staff or police who are trying to help you get into the festival as quickly as possible.
- Make a note of where you’ve been dropped off or the last train times so you know how to get home when the festival ends
- If you’re tapping out early, this will be the best way to beat the rush. But if you’re sticking it out til the end, take your time making your way to the exit. Several of the food operators and stalls will stay open for another 30mins to help re-energise you for the trip home.