Golden Beach, Caloundra, is a four-kilometre stretch of sheltered foreshore on the Pumicestone Passage, facing Bribie Island. It is a picnic, fishing and boating spot rather than a surf beach, with parks and boat ramps along the Esplanade.
Bribie Island blocks the ocean swell, so the water here is calm, and fishing, boating and windsurfing are popular. Bring a picnic or just walk the sand with Bribie Island across the water.
Things to do at Golden Beach
Picnics and barbecues
Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park, on the Esplanade between Jellicoe and Onslow streets, has a shelter, barbecues, picnic tables, public toilets, a beach shower and parking. Apex Park, by the Caloundra Power Boat Club boat ramp, has shelters, barbecues, picnic tables and seating, plus open space for kick and throw games. It is a popular fishing spot, and its toilets are across the road at Woorim Park.
Walk or ride the foreshore
The Coastal Pathway runs past both parks, so you can walk or ride along the water. The beach itself is open sand, with the Passage on one side and Bribie Island on the other.
Windsurfing, kite surfing and fishing
Council names windsurfing and fishing among the beach’s popular uses, and you may see kite surfers on the Passage too. Apex Park is a popular spot for fishing from the shore.
Is Golden Beach safe for swimming?
Golden Beach is on council’s list of unpatrolled beaches, so there are no lifeguards. For any patrol information check the Beachsafe website before you go. At the Bulcock Beach end, the beach is patrolled on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from September to May. The passage has boat traffic and tidal flow, so keep kids close and stay well clear of boat ramps.
New seawalls, stairs and ramps
Council has rebuilt long sections of the foreshore seawall. The works include a new seawall and stairway between Jellicoe and Nelson streets, a 208-metre stepped seawall from Nelson Street to the TS Onslow Naval Cadets site with two staircases and an access ramp, and new rock groynes at Oxley, Leichardt and Wills streets and Jellicoe Street. These give easier access to the water for swimming and launching small craft.
Work continues further north. Council’s foreshore works page says construction of the Diamond Head seawall, from Lamerough Canal to the Military Jetty boat ramps, is scheduled to start in mid to late November 2026 and finish by late August 2027, weather permitting, with park upgrades to follow if funded. Council also notes that Woorim Park can be covered by sand and debris, and that it cleans it up monthly. Check the council project page for current works.
Is Golden Beach dog friendly?
Dogs are prohibited on Golden Beach between beach access points 304 and 320, along the Esplanade opposite Leichardt Street and Windsurfer View Units. Woorim Park on Churchill Street is an off-leash dog park at all times. Under council’s local law, dogs are also not allowed on beaches unless signs say otherwise, or within five metres of a children’s playground or barbecue.
Fishing and boat ramps
Council lists boat ramps along the foreshore, including the Power Boat Club boat ramp at beach access point 320, next to Apex Park. Apex Park and Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park both have a fish cleaning table, which makes them handy if you are fishing from the shore or launching a boat.
Planning your visit
- How long: an hour for a picnic and a walk, or longer if you are fishing.
- What to bring: water, sun protection and a hat.
- Cost: free to visit.
Getting there and parking
Golden Beach is about 80 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD (about 92 km without traffic). Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park has parking.
By public transport, Translink route 609 runs between Pelican Waters and Caloundra station through Golden Beach, with stops on streets behind the beach rather than on the Esplanade. Check times on the route 609 timetable.
Nearby
- Kings Beach, Caloundra – the ocean beach and pool on the other side of town.
- Moffat Beach – cafes and a headland walk.
- Dicky Beach – a patrolled surf beach with a shipwreck.
- Caloundra Twilight Markets – at Bulcock Beach, at the start of the Passage foreshore.
- More in Beaches and the Sunshine Coast.
You might also like
- Bribie Island – the island you see across the water.
- Maroochy River – three paddle trails further north.
- Nobby Beach (Mermaid Beach)
Quick answers
Where is Golden Beach in Caloundra?
It runs along the Pumicestone Passage from Bulcock Beach to the mouth of Bells Creek, with the Esplanade running beside it.
Is Golden Beach patrolled?
No. Council lists it as an unpatrolled beach, so there are no lifeguards.
Can you fish at Golden Beach?
Yes. Council lists fishing as a popular use, and Apex Park and Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park both have a fish cleaning table.
Is Golden Beach dog friendly?
Not on the stretch between access points 304 and 320. Woorim Park is a dog park, off-leash at all times.
Are there toilets and barbecues?
Yes. Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park has toilets, barbecues, shelters and a shower. Apex Park has barbecues and shelters, and its toilets are across the road at Woorim Park.
0 Comments