Overall score
Golden Beach
41.7/100
Shelly Beach
35.0/100
Golden Beach vs Shelly Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Shelly Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Golden BeachShelly Beach
Crime rate
Golden Beach
27.6 / 1k
Shelly Beach
27.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Golden Beach
74
Shelly Beach
9
Population
Golden Beach
5,646
Shelly Beach
925
Metric leadGolden Beach 5Shelly Beach 22 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesShelly Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleShelly Beach
- Best for investmentShelly Beach
- Best for best valueShelly Beach
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Golden Beach | Shelly Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 41.7/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 2.7/100 | 39.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 27.6 / 1k | 27.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 2 | 2 |
| Parks & reserves | 10 | — |
| Public transport stops | 27 | 2 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 74 | 9 |
| Population | 5,646 | 925 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 9/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Golden Beach is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, and Shelly Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Where Shelly Beach is shaped by the coast, Golden Beach offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
On the data, Golden Beach is stronger for a quieter safety profile and public transport access; Shelly Beach answers with housing affordability and stronger socioeconomic advantage.
Households prioritising schools may find Golden Beach the better fit, while retirees and families are more likely to prefer Shelly Beach.