Golden Beach Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast

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

Things to do


Top hotels in 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 Rp2.037.708 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
Rp2.037.708
Rp2.241.479 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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 ...
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 Rp2.493.050 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
Rp2.493.050
Rp2.742.368 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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! (1,782 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff and a great pool for the kids."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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 Caloundra Jet Ski and Golden Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (293 reviews)
"Rebecca on reception was fabulous. She was super efficient knowledgeable and nothing was an issue!! great location and super comfortable! we'll be back !"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2026

Moorings Beach Resort
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel

4.5 out of 5
10 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba QLD
The price is Rp4.542.154 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
Rp4.542.154
Rp4.996.369 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"Perfect for a getaway to Mooloolaba! Nothing like it around. A true hotel experience."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2026

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

4 out of 5
923 David Low Way Marcoola QLD
The price is Rp2.379.223 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
Rp2.379.223
Rp2.617.145 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
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 Rp2.197.082 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
Rp2.197.082
Rp2.416.790 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Close to sunshine plaza and restaurants swimming pool great buffet. Tanui Duty Manager very helpful and knowledgable other person on with her didnt know what he was doing could not finalise bill there and then sent out invoice wrong name on it incompetent had a late checkout didnt know how to reactivate ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2026

Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
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.

Where to stay in Golden Beach

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

Noosa Heads

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

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 Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park.



Golden Beach Travel Guide