Golden Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Golden Beach showing windsurfing and general coastal views
Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and take in views of the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Golden Beach is the most southerly of Caloundra’s beaches and hugs the shores of Pumicestone Passage. The tranquil waters are protected from the ocean by Bribie Island, making it perfect for swimming, boating or fishing.

Follow the coastal path that winds its way to central Caloundra and passes shady playgrounds and picnic areas. Savour freshly caught seafood at one of the many local restaurants or have your own beachside barbecue. Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the sunshine. Gaze upon the dramatic outlines of the Glass House Mountains silhouetted along the hinterland horizon.

If you are feeling adventurous, there are many watersports to try at Golden Beach. Rent a Jet Ski or take a boat out and go fishing. During the day, join a riverboat tour of Pumicestone Passage or kayak across to Bribie Island. You can also rent a bike and go riding along the well-marked bike track that borders the shoreline. There are many hideaway spots to take a break and have a picnic along the way. Pick up some fresh produce from the Bulcock Street markets that take place in Caloundra’s town centre every Sunday.

Take your pick of accommodation from one of the many beachfront resorts or pet-friendly holiday houses. There are also many camping and caravan sites along the esplanade facing the tranquil ocean.

Golden Beach is only a short distance away from some of the Sunshine Coast’s more novel attractions, including Aussie World, the iconic Ettamogah Pub, the famous Australia Zoo and Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba. Right next to the Ettamogah Pub is a range of specialty shops selling Australian-made products. Time your visit with the Caloundra Triathlon that takes place in February each year to see the race from the sands of Golden Beach.

Golden Beach is often described as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and is only a 1-hour drive north of Brisbane. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal sights this beach has to offer at any time of the year.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Golden Beach Hotel Deals

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
4 out of 5
75 Esplanade, cnr Jellicoe Street and Esplanade, Golden Beach, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$186 per night from 13 May to 14 May
NZ$186
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a children's pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,542 reviews)
"It is a great place to stay. The only downside I can see is that the staff are just not quite what you would expect from a hotel of the Ramada quality. And they do try and upsell you to the Wyndham program. Also, we have stayed there before and it seems there is no record of our previous stay, so ..."

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
4.5 out of 5
2 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$230 per night from 9 May to 10 May
NZ$230
per night
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,506 reviews)
"The waterpark and facilities are great. Also great and convenient having a restaurant onsite."

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Golden Beach Holiday Park
Golden Beach Holiday Park
3 out of 5
9 Onslow St, Golden Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bulcock Beach and Caloundra Jet ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
"Stayed in cabin for 2 nights. Basic and what we needed. Very close walk to beach and shops. Great location. Pool was clean. Rooms were clean. Beds werent that comfortable but was fine for our stay."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2024

Golden Beach Holiday Park
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is NZ$206 per night from 22 May to 23 May
NZ$206
per night
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (348 reviews)
"Got down to the free breakfast and there was no food left"

Reviewed on 27 Apr. 2024

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is NZ$281 per night from 7 May to 8 May
NZ$281
per night
7 May - 8 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, internet, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,475 reviews)
Mini break
"Great service and staff were very helpful. Short stroll to beach, with cafes and shopping on your doorstep."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is NZ$250 per night from 21 May to 22 May
NZ$250
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"All staff was very friendly & accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Golden Beach

Kawana Beach showing a beach and landscape views

Caloundra

Caloundra is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Caloundra Events Center and Bulcock Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Sunshine Coast.

Caloundra
Kings Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach

Kings Beach

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Kings Beach. A stop by Kings Beach or Shelly Beach might round out your trip.

Kings Beach
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Moffat Beach

Unique features of Moffat Beach include the beaches and cafes. Make a stop by Moffat Beach or Shelly Beach while you're exploring the area.

Moffat Beach
Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
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Buderim

Buderim is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Buderim Forest Park Nature Refuge and Foote Sanctuary of Buderim.

Buderim
Alexandra Headland which includes a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views

Alexandra Headland

Travellers to Alexandra Headland praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Alex Beach and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Alexandra Headland

Golden Beach Travel Guide

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