Golden Beach

I’m not typically one who comes on these sort of places to complain, BUT, I feel compelled to provide a bit of caveat to the other glowing reviews of the area essentially for those who maybe considering renting or buying in this suburb. We reconciled to rent while we built our new home further up the coast and settled on Golden Beach because of its close proximity to my wife’s work.

First thing I’ll admit to is being lulled into believing that because of all the apparent retirees in Golden Beach it’d be a haven of quiet solitude where I could work from home, how wrong could I have been *sigh*

The sort of Noise you could expect on a daily basis are the sounds of clapped out Bore pumps (4 hours a day minimum), outboard motors a few times a day, waterblasters washing Caravans, Caravans being hooked up and moved to new location 5 meters away then a few hours later moved back to original position, whipper-snippers, lawnmowers and edgers, hedge trimmers and a new favourite, leaf blowers.

Typically this is all standard fare on the weekend for which I have no problem but for those out there who work from home or just like a day or two for some peace and quiet I would suggest another suburb.

This area is great for us because it is so close to Caloundra CBD yet far enough away not to attract the rabble element like Kings Beach. If you like a quiet stroll or an energetic jog or bike ride along the Esplanade there are several kilometers of pathway interspersed with little parks with BBQs, playgrounds, or friendly local stores and cafes. The Power Boat Club has a fantastic relaxed ambience to its restaurant, bar and entertainment area and the food is great. There are multiple jetties, beaches and groynes to fish from or launch a kayak to explore Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island beyond. If you must have the Shopping Mall experience there are several of varying sizes within 20 minutes drive at the most. The mountains of Montville and Maleny are half an hour away for a greener and cooler atmosphere. Service and trade suppliers can all be found locally.

We moved from the UK to Caloundra in June 2008 and bought a property in Golden Beach 5 months later. Living one street back from the Esplanade is ideal. Walking distance to local shops, three minutes walk to Esplanade and beach path that takes you to CBD one end and Bells Creek the other. Great for walking and cycling. We have a boat and kayak and the two boat ramps are only 5 mins drive away. The beach is great for children - take your dinghy and swim over to the exposed sand banks at low tide and see the soldier crabs, its amazing. Not as built up as the other beaches and great for exploring. I would highly recommend this as a superb place to live and no longer to be regarded as "God's waiting room".

Golden Beach was known as 'the retirement village' but over the years that has changed and a lot of the old fibro beach houses have been pulled down and apartment blocks have taken their place. These apartment blocks have been either for permanent living or holiday accommodation. Most of the people that holiday in Golden Beach are families with young children (because the swimming area is safe) or retirees.

Golden Beach is just that far enough away from Caloundra not to be inconvenient, but it is a little quieter in this area than other parts of Caloundra city.

Golden Beach runs along the shores of the Bribie Passage and therefore those that like to sail, fish, swim, windsurf or any other water sports, will find this a good place to stay.

There is not much here for singles and they tend to stay more over at Kings Beach area where there is some night life on offer.