Visiting FAQ
#General
Does HOTA accept cash?
HOTA is a cashless organisation. We accept card and contactless payments only. Cash payments will not be accepted.
The decision to remove cash was made as a result of cash received decreasing significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Very few cash payments are made across the HOTA precinct.
As per the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, organisations can choose which payment types they accept. It's legal for a business not to accept cash.
This decision will bring HOTA in line with a number of Gold Coast City Council venues and services including, swimming pools, libraries, waste management services and customer service centres.
Can I bring alcohol to the HOTA precinct?
No you can’t, however the precinct is licensed for the sale of alcohol at the HOTA Café, The Exhibitionist Bar and Palette Restaurant, and may also be available for purchase at certain ticketed events.
Is there parking at HOTA?
Parking, including wheelchair accessible parking, is available at the HOTA – but it’s limited.
There are two main carparks, one in front of HOTA Central and a second carpark directly in front of HOTA Gallery. See the map below for details.
Visitors may park at HOTA for up to four hours free of charge. For parking longer than four hours, payment can be made via a parking machine on site, or via the EasyPark mobile app.
It does fill up though, so get here early if you are coming to a popular show and enjoy a meal at Palette Restaurant or a drink at The Exhibitionist Bar or Cafe.
Parking is managed by City of Gold Coast. Click below for full details on parking at HOTA. If you have any queries please contact City of Gold Coast on 1300 322 111.
How else can I get to HOTA?
We like to encourage people to use public transport when they come to visit us. You can:
Ride the G:link to Surfers Paradise and walk across Chevron Island which takes around 20 minutes – search ridetheg.com.au.
Catch a bus – call 13 12 30 or search translink.com.au for timetable information
Jump on the ferry – search hopo.com.au for more information
If you live locally you could walk, ride or even skateboard here.
Or you can come by taxi – gccabs.com.au.
#Visiting HOTA Gallery
Do I need to book tickets to visit HOTA Gallery?
HOTA Gallery is free to visit – bookings not required.
Some programs and events will have an entry fee, and tickets will be available to be purchased online. As the City Collection belongs to the people of the Gold Coast, the HOTA Collects exhibitions will always remain free of charge.
Do I need to book tickets to the Children's Gallery?
The Children’s Gallery is free to attend – no bookings required.
How much does it cost to visit HOTA Gallery?
HOTA Gallery is free to visit – bookings not required.
Some programs and events will have an entry fee, and tickets will be available to be purchased online. As the City Collection belongs to the people of the Gold Coast, the HOTA Collects exhibitions will always remain free of charge.
Please note that HOTA Gallery is a cashless venue.
Can I turn up on the day?
Absolutely! We do recommend you plan your visit to make the most of your HOTA day out.
I'm interested in bringing a tour group along
We’d love to help. Find out more about Gallery Tours here.
I booked tickets to a HOTA Gallery exhibition/event and can no longer attend. Can I return them?
Contact our Box Office on 5588 4000 to find out more
#Visiting HOTA Cinema
What's on at HOTA Cinema?
You can view what’s showing now and what’s coming soon at HOTA Cinema by following the link below
Where is the cinema timetable?
You can view the cinema timetable below
How do I buy cinema tickets?
You can buy tickets for HOTA Cinema online or in person at our Box Office.
You will be sold an unreserved seat and will be allocated a physical seat when you arrive.
Please note that HOTA is a cashless venue.
Do HOTA Members receive a discount on cinema tickets?
Yes, all HOTA Members receive a discount on cinema tickets. The discount is applied automatically when logged in to your account online and applied at the order summary stage when checking out.
What technology do you have to help me enjoy the movie?
You can read about the technology we have to assist hearing impaired or visually impaired guests by clicking the link below.
I've got a Complimentary Cinema Pass, when is it valid?
HOTA Complimentary Passes are valid for all movies at all times except those stating: No Free Tickets, No Free List. This term is at the Distributors discretion. A valid date will be located on the pass.
#Facilities
Is there free WIFI at HOTA?
It’s easy to stay connected at HOTA! When you’re visiting HOTA Central, look for and select ‘HOTA Free WIFI’ in your settings and you’ll automatically and freely be connected.
Is there an ATM at the venue?
There is no ATM at HOTA.
What do I do if I have lost something at HOTA?
Any property that is found at HOTA is handed into our HOTA Central Hello Desk where it is logged and stored safely. To check if your item has been found, you can contact the Hello Desk via email hello@hota.com.au
#Accessibility
I have special seating requirements (eg: wheelchair access, hearing difficulties, need an aisle seat) or I am accompanied by a guide, hearing or assistance dog. How do I book tickets?
HOTA is committed to providing access to the performing arts for visitors with special needs. Please call Box Office on 5588 4000 to book your tickets.
Please see our Accessibility page for more details
Can I use my Companion Card at HOTA?
As an affiliate of the Queensland Government’s Companion Card program, we provide Companion Card holders a second ticket for their chosen companion at no cost. Please request this from our Box Office team when you phone to book your tickets.
Am I able to hire a wheelchair at HOTA?
Unfortunately, we don’t have wheelchairs for hire at HOTA.
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