The Gold Coast has no shortage of theme parks, but dedicated karting venues are thinner on the ground than you might expect. The good news is that the three tracks within reach are genuinely worth your time. This guide covers indoor petrol racing at Slideways in Nerang, the multi-activity setup at Game Over in Helensvale, and Kingston Park Raceway about half an hour north, one of the biggest hire-kart complexes in the country. If you’re happy to drive a bit further, our Brisbane guide has plenty more options.
Slideways Go Karting Gold Coast
Nerang
Slideways in Nerang is the Gold Coast’s headline karting act, an indoor petrol track holding a 4.5 rating. Sessions run a full 20 minutes, well beyond the 10 minute standard most venues offer, and cost $82 for one or $124 for two. Passes work at any Slideways centre and stay valid for three years, handy if you also visit their Brisbane sites.
Weekends get seriously busy, so book ahead rather than rolling up on the day. Families rate the place highly; one dad said the session with his 11 year old was among the best things they did on their whole Gold Coast holiday. Just budget an extra $8 for a balaclava if you’re borrowing one of their helmets.
My son who is 11 and I had a great time! One of the best things we did when on our Gold Coast holiday. Will definitely do again when we’re back on the Gold Coast. 10/10
Game Over Gold Coast
Helensvale
Game Over at Helensvale bundles electric karting with climbing walls and laser tag, which makes it the smart pick when not everyone in your group wants to race all day. A karting session runs 14 laps for $49, or $84 for two, and the package deals bring the per-activity cost right down.
School holiday specials around the $55 mark cover three different activities, and one visitor called the $99 deal great value. The check-in system gets props too; you’re handed a card with your race numbers and session times so the day basically runs itself. A few reviewers found the arcade section underwhelming, so spend your money on the main attractions.
We bought a kart, climb and laser package. They had a special on for adults for the long weekend. One adult one child $135. Worth it for two hours of entertainment for both of us. Probably the most fun I have had in a long time.
Kingston Park Raceway
Kingston (30 min north)
Kingston Park Raceway sits about 30 minutes north of the Gold Coast, and it’s a drive every keen karter should make at least once. This is one of Australia’s biggest hire-kart complexes, an outdoor petrol facility with three separate circuits including an 1100 metre adult track. Reviewers describe it as the track that trumps anything else in Queensland.
The grounds sprawl, with viewing areas, BBQs and a kiosk on site, so a race morning easily stretches into a family day out. Pricing reflects the quality at $95 for two sessions or $130 for four, and bookings are essential. One regular who visits from Ipswich twice a year packs his own balaclava and gloves for the occasion.
Expensive but this track trumps any in QLD. The park itself is spacious with a variety of viewing areas with bbqs and amenities close by. 3 tracks, all kept in great condition. Karts were in good condition, too.
Which Track Suits You
For pure racing close to home, Slideways is the local pick, while Game Over wins for mixed groups and school holidays. Make the run up the M1 to Kingston Park Raceway when you want outdoor laps on a big circuit. Full details on all three live on our Gold Coast tracks page, and if you’re exploring beyond the Goldie, browse every venue in Queensland.
