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

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
The price is AU$199 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
AU$199
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a theme park shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,627 reviews)
"Excellent reception and service"

Reviewed on 5 Jan. 2025

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 AU$212 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$212
includes taxes & fees
3 Feb - 4 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,562 reviews)
"Nice place for families. Would come back again. Short distance to most things"

Reviewed on 2 Jan. 2025

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
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 AU$176 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
AU$176
includes taxes & fees
16 Feb - 17 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (560 reviews)
"Very convenient location for buses and shopping centre, all within 10 minutes walk. Property is almost new and very modern although basic."

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast, an IHG Hotel
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is AU$214 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
AU$214
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 Feb
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great hotel, stayed with my family, boys aged 11 & 7 they had a great time. Loved the kayaking and sail boats. The pool was excellent. About 4min walk to the patrolled beach. Excellent place to stay."

Reviewed on 16 Jan. 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 AU$199 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
AU$199
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Super nice staff and great location!"

Reviewed on 15 Jan. 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is AU$269 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$269
includes taxes & fees
28 Jan - 29 Jan
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,573 reviews)
Great location, however
"Excellent location in central Mooloolaba , nice and clean with great ocean views from the Seaview side, unfortunately the property is located on a corner near a set of lights at the bottom of a hill so there can be quite a bit of loud traffic noise at times. Also our apartment and others we know ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jan. 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba 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 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Buderim

Buderim is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Buderim Forest Park Nature Refuge and Headland Golf Club.

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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: