Golden Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Golden Beach which includes windsurfing and general coastal views
Golden Beach showing windsurfing and general coastal views
Golden Beach
Bulcock Beach showing a sandy beach
Bulcock Beach showing a beach

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

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$231 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
NZ$231
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,682 reviews)
Plenty of choice for breakfast . Fresh fruit and yoghurts as well as hot option , tea and coffee

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach

4 out of 5
75 Esplanade Golden Beach QLD
The price is NZ$254 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
NZ$254
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a theme park shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,721 reviews)
Staff were absolutely great! Pool was so good for kids, very deep in parts though so a little harder with smaller children but older children absolutely loved the slide. Really nice stay and so close to beach and shops.

Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive Maroochydore QLD
The price is NZ$199 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
NZ$199
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (904 reviews)
Room was clean and having a pool at the top floor was entertaining for my children.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters

Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters

4.5 out of 5
9 Florey Boulevard Birtinya QLD
The price is NZ$148 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
NZ$148
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Nice and clean

Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026

Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort

4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast Twin Waters QLD
The price is NZ$239 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
NZ$239
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Amenities were great

Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

4 out of 5
923 David Low Way Marcoola QLD
The price is NZ$231 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
NZ$231
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
The amenities are exceptional

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
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 featuring landscape views and a beach

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 sandy beach and a coastal town

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
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Mountain Creek

Mountain Creek is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mountain Creek Conservation Area Nature Refuge and Mooloolah River National Park.

Mountain Creek
Mooloolaba featuring landscape views, a sandy beach and views

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


Golden Beach Travel Guide

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