The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast will be remembered for more than amazing sporting achievements, with a host of events planned including entertainment at train stations. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said with an estimated 670,000 visitors expected, 6 million extra public transport trips would be provided on a twenty-four-hour heavy and light rail system, incorporating a tripling of train services to the Gold Coast throughout the games. He said the games experience would be memorable for more reasons than the exciting sporting events.
“Festival 2018 during the Commonwealth Games is the largest arts and culture program in Queensland’s history which will run for 12 days featuring more than 3500 performers delivering over 500 events on the Gold Coast, in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane,” Mr. Bailey commented “A range of Festival 2018 themed entertainment has been planned at key transport facilities to keep games spectators travelling to and from GC2018 events engaged and entertained on their journey. The 2018 Commonwealth Games is going to be the biggest sporting event in the nation in more than a decade, and we’re keen to offer spectators the best experience possible at Queensland’s largest ever sporting event.”
Mr. Bailey explained that the entertainment would include roving Festival 2018 performers situated between Nerang station and Carrara Stadium.
“The performers will engage with spectators to encourage walking to and from the stadium, reduce queuing and keep people moving,” Mr. Bailey commented “This is all part of the colour and excitement of the games – we want people to enjoy their games experience from the moment they step on the station. Two large screens will also be installed at Helensvale and Nerang Stations to showcase short films, sporting highlights and broadcast operational messages for passengers.”
Bailey also said that Helensvale Station is within walking distance of the Night Quarter Festival 2018 location, providing a great reason for spectators to get to events early or stick around afterwards and have a bite to eat and enjoy some live performances, helping to spread out arrivals and departures around large events.

By downloading the GC2018 app, spectators can receive push notifications alerting them to entertainment options near their venue so they can stay and enjoy the festivities to avoid peak travel times.