COVID-19 testing on the Gold Coast

COVID-19 symptoms include respiratory/cold/flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny/stuffy nose, fatigue or lack of taste or smell or a range of other symptoms, including vomiting, nausea or diarrhoea.

If you have symptoms, no matter how mild, stay home, don’t go to work, school or the shops, and get tested as quickly as possible.

There are several COVID-19 testing options on the Gold Coast and it is important that you get tested, to ensure you get the care you need and to stop the virus spreading.

Latest information

For the latest information on COVID-19 testing, visit Queensland Health’s COVID-19 testing requirements webpage. 

COVID-19 testing requirements

Gold Coast COVID-19 testing options include:

COVID-19-Closure of Gold Coast Gold Coast Respiratory Clinics (GPRCs)

The Commonwealth has advised GCPHN that all three GPRC’s located on the Gold Coast at Upper Coomera, Hope Island and Burleigh Cove, have ceased operations as of 28th February 2023.

The selection process for the new model General Practice Respiratory Panel (GPRCP), undertaken by the Commonwealth, is currently underway. GCPHN will advise once a list of confirmed participant clinics is available.

NOTE: Gold Coast University Hospital does not provide PCR testing.

Queensland Health does not conduct PCR testing.  PCR tests continue to be offered at private pathology-operated collection sites around Queensland. Remember to check the conditions of bulk billed COVID-19 testing on the private pathology provider’s website before testing as there may be a fee for pathology services.

Find a private pathology-operated collection site near you that tests for COVID-19:

• 4Cyte Pathology Pty Ltd
• Clinicallabs
• Histopath
• Mater Pathology
• Queensland Medical Laboratories (QML)
• Sullivan and Nicolaides (SNP)

Most private pathology providers require a GP referral and a Medicare card for Medicare to cover the cost of the PCR test. Contact the provider to check whether a referral is required

• General Practitioners (GPs) may conduct testing for COVID-19 or provide referrals to pathology clinics or other options for testing. Telehealth consultations may be available to discuss symptoms.

• Pathology Testing Centres  Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and QML Pathology.

  Free Medicare-funded PCR testing are available at private pathology-operated clinics for anyone with a Medicare card and a GP referral.

  If a patient does not have a Medicare card and a GP referral, they may be charged for the test by the private pathology-operated clinic.

  Some PCR testing at private laboratories interstate may have a cost.

Polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR)

PCR tests are no longer required to confirm a positive rapid antigen test (RAT). 

PCR tests are available where RATs cannot be accessed. 

PCR Testing sites 

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

A positive RAT result must be reported to Queensland Health. RATs can be purchased at pharmacies and retail stores. 

Report a positive RAT result 

Free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are available from Gold Coast University Hospital.

Gold Coast University Hospital

Address: 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, 4215
Phone: 5687 6326
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, excluding Public Holidays
Notes: Please do not attend the facility. Telephone 5687 6326 or email GCHHSDisaster@health.qld.gov.au with your concession card number, name, address, contact number and any other delivery instructions.

Queensland health have advised that the following groups can access free RAT kits via the Queensland Health distribution centres without a concession card:

• People at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including people escaping domestic and family violence
• Certain Medicare ineligible cohorts, including:
  • People seeking asylum in Qld (asylum seekers)
  • Recent Ukrainian arrivals to Qld
  • People working in Qld as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.

Queensland Health Free RATs information.