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 ฿5,683 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
฿5,683
฿6,252 total
18 Dec - 19 Dec
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! (2,679 reviews)
Plenty of choice for breakfast . Fresh fruit and yoghurts as well as hot option , tea and coffee

Reviewed on 15 Dec 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 ฿4,242 per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
฿4,242
฿4,666 total
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
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! (1,713 reviews)
Brilliant accommodation, with a spacious, well equipped room and great views.

Reviewed on 12 Dec 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 ฿3,288 per night from 24 Dec to 25 Dec
฿3,288
฿3,617 total
24 Dec - 25 Dec
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! (872 reviews)
Room was spotless and staff were very friendly and you comfortable

Reviewed on 11 Dec 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,111 per night from 11 Jan to 12 Jan
฿3,111
฿3,422 total
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
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! (1,000 reviews)
Friendly staff and clean room were great. I’m not great with air con and couldn’t get it to go any warmer than 24.5.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 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 ฿3,964 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
฿3,964
฿4,361 total
21 Dec - 22 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! (1,003 reviews)
Nothing stood out. Quite an old motel due for renovation. My room had a loud air conditioner. The bed was comfortable.

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025

Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort

4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast Twin Waters QLD
The price is ฿4,562 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
฿4,562
฿5,018 total
18 Dec - 19 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
Everything was perfect for our cousin’s birthday party. Best showers ever when not over a tub. Our room was excellent and maintained very well. All staff were excellent and very helpful. Would return any time.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
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
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 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