Avani Opens Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Queensland Coast

MOOLOOLABA, Australia, May 31, 2026 — Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel has officially opened on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, introducing 180 guestrooms and becoming the region’s first internationally branded new-build hotel in more than 40 years. The opening strengthens accommodation capacity in one of Australia’s busiest coastal tourism destinations as visitor spending and international arrivals continue to rise.

The 12-storey beachfront property overlooks the Pacific Ocean from Mooloolaba Esplanade and forms part of broader tourism and infrastructure investment across the Sunshine Coast. Industry stakeholders view the development as a significant addition to the region’s hospitality sector.

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel Expands Sunshine Coast Tourism

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel introduces a contemporary beachfront accommodation option designed for both leisure and business travelers. The property features 180 rooms, social spaces, wellness facilities and dining venues aimed at meeting growing demand for experience-focused travel.

The opening comes as the Sunshine Coast continues recording strong tourism performance. International visitor spending reached AUD 413.4 million during 2024-25, while overseas arrivals increased to approximately 325,000 visitors.

Wellness and Guest Experiences Take Center Stage

The hotel's rooftop pool and terrace serve as focal points of the guest experience. Additional facilities include AvaniSpa and AvaniFit, offering wellness-focused amenities for travelers seeking relaxation and fitness options during their stay.

An Avani Experience Host is available to connect guests with local attractions, coastal activities, dining experiences and cultural offerings throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

Dining Concept Highlights Regional Produce

Sully's Rooftop, the hotel's signature restaurant, is led by Executive Chef Marky Godbeer and focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Fresh seafood, including the region's well-known Mooloolaba prawns, features prominently throughout the menu.

The culinary program supports local producers while giving visitors access to regional food experiences that have become an increasingly important part of destination travel.

Tourism Infrastructure Investment Supports Growth

The hotel opening aligns with several major tourism-related projects across the Sunshine Coast. These include the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project and the redevelopment of Sunshine Coast Airport, both aimed at improving visitor infrastructure and connectivity.

Airport expansion plans are expected to increase passenger capacity and strengthen connections with domestic and international markets, supporting future tourism growth across Queensland.

New Capacity Meets Rising Visitor Demand

The Sunshine Coast welcomed approximately 2.1 million visitors during the first half of 2025, generating around AUD 1.9 billion in visitor expenditure. Growing demand has increased the need for additional accommodation supply across the region.

The addition of 180 new rooms helps address capacity constraints while providing more lodging options for domestic and international travelers visiting the destination.

Avani Expands Australian Presence

The new property strengthens Avani's footprint in Australia, joining existing hotels and residences in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. The expansion reflects the brand's focus on urban and resort destinations with strong tourism demand.

As Queensland continues implementing long-term tourism development strategies, new hospitality investments such as Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel are expected to support employment, visitor spending and regional economic growth.

Source: Minor Hotels and publicly released tourism development information.