Golden Valley is a pretty settlement along the Great Lake Highway at the foot of the Great Western Tiers. From Deloraine it is the last settlement before the climb up to the Tiers and the World Heritage Area.

Just beyond Golden Valley is the start of the walking track up the spectacular (and steep!) Quamby Bluff.

Houses are built along the road or scattered throughout the valleys and river flats. The main industries in the area are dairy and mixed farming, and forestry.