Gold Coast were awarded the Games in November 2011 after holding off sole rivals Hambantota of Sri Lanka.

Beginning with the Opening Ceremony on April 8, the Games are set to welcome athletes from 70 nations for the 11-day event, which will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on April 15.

Sunday marks 500 days to go and Beattie has said that preparations for the Games are "on time and on budget".

"This has been a huge year for Gold Coast 2018 and it’s exciting to think that there are just 500 days until we shine on the world stage and welcome friends from across the Commonwealth to experience an unforgettable Games," Beattie said.

"The progress is highlighted by the reality that all venues for Australia’s biggest multi-sport event this decade will be delivered at least 12 months ahead of schedule."

The Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane and the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre are among the venues that have already been completed.

Beattie added that the brand new and upgraded sporting venues will have lasting effects and will enable local communities to get active and try new sports.

"The Commonwealth Games are 11 days of sporting competition, but the long term legacy plans promise benefits and opportunities to a whole generation of Gold Coast and Queensland citizens," he said.

The design and route of the Queen’s Baton Relay, which will visit all nations and territories of the Commonwealth over 388 days, is due to be launched tomorrow.

"The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are now only 500 days away and the levels of excitement and anticipation that we feel are being shared across the Commonwealth," said Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin.

"It is fantastic to see the powerful symbol that connects and engages the Commonwealth - the Queen’s Baton - being launched on Sunday, ensuring every single Commonwealth nation and territory can join the countdown celebrations."

Gold Coast 2018 chief executive officer Mark Peters said the "succession of achievements" recorded this year was indicative of the progress being made on the path to Gold Coast 2018.

"Gold Coast 2018 represents a defining moment for the Gold Coast, Queensland and for the Commonwealth Games," Peters added.

"Together we are taking the Games to the next level by ensuring this event is a true celebration of sport and humanity that transforms the Gold Coast.

"These Games are shaping up to deliver an enduring economic impact and they will unite a proud and engaged community and inspire Australians, the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Games."

The 500 days milestone comes a day after Australian wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley was announced as the fourth official Gold Coast 2018 ambassador.

Fearnley, winner of gold in the men's 1500 metres T54 race at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, joins hurdles champion Sally Pearson, swimming star Cameron McEvoy and cycling legend Anna Meares in the role.

It has also been announced that more than half of the Gold Coast 2018 tickets will be priced below AUD$40 (£24/$30/€27).

Gold Coast 2018 have claimed spectators can look forward to "inclusive, accessible and affordable" ticket prices, with the ticket request phase set to be launched in April.

Tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies have been priced at AUD$100 (£61/$76/€68) and AUD$70 (£42/$53/€48) respectively for adults.

It has not all been plain sailing for organisers, however, with Gold Coast 2018 facing criticism for not hiring enough Australians to top roles.

The decision to award Opening and Ceremony duties to American company Jack Morton Worldwide was one move which created particular controversy.