Best Gold ETFs in Australia for 2026: Top Performers and Investment Guide

Australia’s gold ETF market expanded significantly in 2025 as investors sought portfolio protection amid global economic uncertainty. The precious metal surged to record levels, driven by geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics. For Australian investors, gold ETFs represent one of the best ways to gain exposure to this defensive asset without the burden of physical storage, insurance, and management costs. Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced trader, finding the best gold ETF for your needs requires understanding the different options available on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Why Gold ETFs Are Among the Best Investments for Australian Portfolios

Gold has long served as a portfolio cornerstone for risk-conscious investors. Exchange-traded funds make gold one of the most accessible precious metals investments available, allowing you to build exposure with a simple share purchase through your broker. Unlike buying physical bullion, the best gold ETFs offer transparency, liquidity, and cost efficiency.

The Australian market hosts two primary categories of gold ETFs. Physical gold ETFs track the spot price of the metal itself, backed by actual bullion held in secure vaults. Gold mining ETFs, by contrast, provide exposure to companies in the precious metals industry. Each category serves different investment strategies—physical gold for defensive positioning, mining stocks for growth potential and dividend income.

Physical Gold ETFs: Best Low-Cost Options for Australians

Among physical gold ETFs available to Australian investors, several stand out for their efficiency and security. These products represent some of the best gold ETF choices for those prioritizing simplicity and low fees.

Global X Physical Gold (ASX:GOLD) leads in total capital managed with approximately AU$4.69 billion invested as of mid-2025. This product, formerly known as ETFS Physical Gold, maintains bullion in a JPMorgan Chase vault in London. The unit price stood at AU$46.96 during that period. One unique feature is the redemption option—investors can exchange shares directly for physical gold bars, though a AU$1,000 redemption fee applies. For smaller transactions, selling on the secondary market proves more cost-effective. The annual management fee of 0.4 percent remains reasonable for this category.

Perth Mint Gold Structured Product (ASX:PMGOLD) offers a distinct advantage: government backing from Western Australia. With AU$1.61 billion under management and units valued at AU$51.17 in mid-2025, this remains among the best gold ETFs for investors seeking maximum security. What sets Perth Mint apart is its policy guarantee on all holdings—a feature unmatched by competitors. More importantly, Perth Mint delivers the best fee structure among physical gold options, charging just 0.15 percent annually, making it ideal for cost-conscious investors.

BetaShares Gold Bullion ETF (ASX:QAU) manages AU$1.08 billion with a unit price of AU$26.91. Like other physical gold products, it holds bullion through JPMorgan Chase in London. However, redemptions occur only in cash form—you don’t receive physical bars. The 0.59 percent management fee sits in the midrange for this category, making it a solid middle-ground option.

iShares Physical Gold ETF (ASX:GLDN) launched in October 2023, targeting investors seeking spot price exposure without storage complications. Managing AU$267.64 million with units at AU$40.67, it delivers among the best fee rates at just 0.18 percent annually. This ETF suits investors comfortable with a five-year-plus investment horizon, as it carries higher volatility than some alternatives.

VanEck Gold Bullion ETF (ASX:NUGG) commenced trading in December 2022. Operating with AU$150.39 million in managed capital and AU$50.78 unit prices, it sources bullion exclusively from Australian gold producers—a nationalist appeal for local investors. At 0.25 percent in annual fees, NUGG ranks among Australia’s best value physical gold ETFs for fee-sensitive portfolios.

Gold Mining ETFs: Best Exposure to Industry Leaders

For investors seeking growth potential and income rather than pure price protection, gold mining ETFs represent the best alternative within the sector.

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX:GDX) is Australia’s largest mining-focused gold ETF, managing AU$916.64 million as of mid-2025, with units valued at AU$89.60. GDX provides diversified exposure to the world’s largest producers and royalty companies. Newmont, the global mining giant, comprises 13.56 percent of holdings, followed by Agnico Eagle Mines at 11.85 percent and Wheaton Precious Metals at 7.52 percent. The portfolio also includes Australian miners—Northern Star Resources weighs 3 percent while Evolution Mining represents 1.83 percent. GDX investors receive annual dividends, with mid-2025 payouts reaching AU$0.63 per share. The 0.53 percent management fee positions this as one of the best value mining ETFs for diversified exposure.

Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF (ASX:MNRS) takes a different approach, concentrating on non-Australian mining companies exclusively. Managing AU$121.38 million with shares valued at AU$10.46, it focuses on the sector’s largest international players. Newmont holds 8.7 percent of the portfolio, Barrick Mining comprises 8.3 percent, and Agnico Eagle represents 7.6 percent. The 0.57 percent fee structure makes this among the best-priced global mining options for Australian investors seeking international diversification.

How to Choose the Best Gold ETF for Your Investment Goals

Selecting the best gold ETF depends on your investment timeline, risk tolerance, and objectives. Physical gold ETFs suit defensive investors wanting price protection with minimal volatility. The lowest-cost options—Perth Mint at 0.15 percent and iShares at 0.18 percent—appeal to passive, long-term holders. Mining ETFs attract those expecting longer economic cycles or seeking dividend income.

Australian investors benefit from several advantages when choosing between these best gold ETF options. Domestic products like Perth Mint offer government guarantees and local storage, while international alternatives provide exposure to global market movements. Fee comparison remains critical—even small differences in annual charges compound significantly over decades.

Whether prioritizing safety, income, or diversification, Australia’s gold ETF market in 2025 offered compelling solutions for every investor profile. The best gold ETF for your portfolio ultimately depends on aligning your investment strategy with the specific features and cost structures each product delivers.