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 Rp2.139.843 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
Rp2.139.843
Rp2.353.827 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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! (2,762 reviews)
"Great place for families with small kids. Lots for them to do."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 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 Rp2.366.281 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
Rp2.366.281
Rp2.602.909 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (1,766 reviews)
"The TV wasn't working properly. There was a note to say it was buffering with Foxtel, and they knew about the problem. But the TV was so bad we couldn't watch it most nights. We were there for a week that that was disappointing. View was fantastic."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 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! (288 reviews)
"Great heated pool and spa."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2026

Moorings Beach Resort
Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach

4 out of 5
923 David Low Way Marcoola QLD
The price is Rp2.117.199 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
Rp2.117.199
Rp2.328.919 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent location right on the beach, with a huge heated pool as well as many other amenities. Nice walkway in a wooded setting along the beach.Shopping nearby. Our room was quite small, but there are others to choose from. Noise may be an issue as we had a couple of frisky game playing younger ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 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 Rp3.861.906 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
Rp3.861.906
Rp4.248.097 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (12 reviews)
"Beautiful new hotel with amazing views"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2026

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
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 Rp2.151.165 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
Rp2.151.165
Rp2.366.281 total
8 Aug - 9 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Second time staying at this hotel, and it was again an excellent experience. Rooms feel fresh and new still, very clean and have a nice warm feel. The location is very handy to the beach, nice cafes and Sunshine Plaza. It’s also perfect for people who just need a comfortable place to sleep rather ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 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 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 Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park.



Golden Beach Travel Guide