The league is contested by 11 clubs each season, the team that finishes at the top of the league is crowned premiers and they qualify for the FQPL 2 play-offs, whilst the bottom three teams are relegated to the Football Queensland Premier League 4 − South Coast.

The teams that finish in the top four qualify for a finals tournament, where the winners of the bracket are crowned champions.

In 2021, Football Queensland announced a new state system adjustment which would see the league renamed to the current name and an opportunity every season for the premiers to compete for a place in the FQPL 2.

The most successful team in the competition is Broadbeach United with 11 premierships and 14 championships.

[2][3][4] The President's Cup was a knockout football competition played between teams within the Gold Coast Premier League and the inaugural senior Gold Coast competition.