Golden Beach Travel Guide

Sunshine Coast

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

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 Rp1.976.102 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
Rp1.976.102
Rp2.173.712 total
19 Nov - 20 Nov
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! (2,663 reviews)
Did not recurve either VIP benefit. Room was clean & nice. Paid ridiculous amount for a small slushie and for a small milkshake at the waterpark cafe which is pretty crazy!

Reviewed on 6 Nov 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 Rp2.163.206 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
Rp2.163.206
Rp2.379.527 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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! (1,707 reviews)
Was great friendly staff

Reviewed on 12 Nov 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 Rp1.797.732 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
Rp1.797.732
Rp1.977.505 total
26 Nov - 27 Nov
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (843 reviews)
Good size room and very nice fit out,

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025

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 Rp1.461.720 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
Rp1.461.720
Rp1.607.892 total
4 Dec - 5 Dec
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! (1,006 reviews)
Clean unit, great staff good food close to Mooloolaba where the surf club and beach located

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

4 out of 5
923 David Low Way Marcoola QLD
The price is Rp1.916.523 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
Rp1.916.523
Rp2.108.175 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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)
staff very helpful. Room comfortable. View excellent. Atmosphere very relaxing.

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Nightcap at Kawana Waters Hotel

Nightcap at Kawana Waters Hotel

3.5 out of 5
136 Pt Cartwright Drive Buddina QLD
The price is Rp1.474.629 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
Rp1.474.629
Rp1.622.092 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (298 reviews)
Room was clean, spacious & a good firm mattress. Location is great for shopping as your across the road from Kawana shopping centre.

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025

Nightcap at Kawana Waters 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
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Bokarina

While visiting Bokarina, you might make a stop by sights like Sunshine Coast Stadium and Warana Beach.

Bokarina
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


Golden Beach Travel Guide