Golden Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A person windsurfing on a beach with a clear view of a mountain and buildings in the background.
A person windsurfing on clear blue waters with a coastal landscape in the background.
An aerial view of a coastal area with a sandy beach, clear waters, and a forested island.
A wooden pier extending into calm water with a sunset sky.
A beach with clear blue water and a person standing on the shore.

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.


Stay near popular Golden Beach attractions

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 AU$179 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$179
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,764 reviews)
"I stay here often always a lovely experience.. the staff are very friendly as well as professional and the facilities and grounds are immaculate"

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

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 AU$219 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$219
19 July - 20 July
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! (1,768 reviews)
"Service was great. Balcony was nice and big with furniture Clean room"

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Moorings Beach Resort

Moorings Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
88 The Esplanade Golden Beach QLD
Stay at this beach apartment in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Moffat Beach and Caloundra Jet Ski are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (289 reviews)
"Great heated pool and spa."

Reviewed on 7 July 2026

Moorings Beach Resort
Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG

4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive Maroochydore QLD
The price is AU$204 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$204
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Staff were average except for the guy in the bar and the woman in the restaurant at breakfast. Check in staff were very average. I chose this hotel because I wanted parking on site. To then find I had to park in a public car park across the road because they only have 20 spots for guests was extremely ..."

Reviewed on 13 July 2026

Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
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 26 July to 27 July
AU$199
26 July - 27 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Position was excellent"

Reviewed on 16 July 2026

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

4.5 out of 5
10 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba QLD
The price is AU$379 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$379
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Mooloolaba Esplanade and Mooloolaba ...
7.2/10 Good! (17 reviews)
"Great location, modern rooms, clean. If staying with teenage kids or someone that's not your partner the bathroom design is open with glass doors. The rooftop restaurant had great views although regardless if you are staying at Avani or not Friday and Saturday nights were absolutely full of young ..."

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

Avani Mooloolaba Beach 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Golden Beach

Find the best Golden Beach areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Golden Beach
Learn more about Golden Beach

Noosa Heads

A noteworthy feature of Noosa Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hastings Street and Noosa National Park.

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.

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.

Maroochydore

Maroochydore is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Maroochydore Beach and Sunshine Plaza while you're in town.

Noosaville

Noosaville is known for its stunning river views, and you can see some sights area like Eenie Creek Bushland Reserve - Walter Hay Drive and Lake Weyba.



Golden Beach Travel Guide

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