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id: 7098 title: "First in over 40 years: Sunshine Coast lands new major international hotel brand" date: "2026-05-12" updatedDate: "2026-05-12" excerpt: "The Sunshine Coast has welcomed its first full-service internationally branded hotel in over 40 years with the opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, adding 180 rooms to the popular coastal destination. This 4.5-star property represents a significant addition to Queensland's tourism infrastructure ahead of the 2032 Olympics." coverImage: "https://images.nomadlawyer.org/images/blog/travel-news/2026/05/first-in-over-40-years-sunshine-coast-lands-new-major-international-hotel-brand.jpg" coverImageAlt: "First guests checking in at the newly opened Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on the Sunshine Coast" coverImageCaption: "Image generated by AI" tags:
- Sunshine Coast
- Hotel Development
- Queensland Tourism
- Avani Hotels
- Accommodation
- Travel Industry slug: "first-in-over-40-years-sunshine-coast-lands-new-major-international-hotel-brand" category: "travel-news" author: "Preeti Gunjan"
First in over 40 years: Sunshine Coast lands new major international hotel brand
The Sunshine Coast has just received its first full-service internationally branded hotel in more than 40 years, upping accommodation capacity by 180 rooms for the popular coastal destination. Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel officially opened on 11 May 2026, welcoming its first guests to the 12-storey property and adding a much-needed injection of room inventory for the high-demand leisure and business destination.
A Major Addition to Queensland's Tourism Infrastructure
The 4.5-star Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel adds to the Sunny Coast's limited supply of full-service hotel accommodation and represents a significant addition to Queensland's tourism infrastructure. This landmark opening comes at a critical time as the state prepares for increased visitation in the years ahead.
Premium Amenities and World-Class Features
Developed, owned and operated by Queensland's KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Bangkok-based Minor Hotels, the new build features an impressive array of premium amenities:
- 12th-floor rooftop pool with stunning coastal views
- Multiple dining venues including Sully's Rooftop (opening to the public on 15 May 2026) and First Avenue Cellar & Bar
- AvaniSpa and AvaniFit facilities for guest wellness
- Meeting spaces and wedding venue with ocean views
- Prime beachfront location just 100 metres from the beach
Room Options
Rooms vary from 27sqm to 45sqm with ocean or hinterland views and include interconnecting options for families and groups, catering to both leisure and corporate travelers.
Industry Leadership Speaks Out
KPAT Hotels' Vision for the Region
Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT Hotels, emphasized the significance of this development: "There has been ongoing discussion about the need for new hotel development in Queensland, particularly in the lead-up to 2032. As a Queensland-based developer-builder-owner-operator, we have invested with a long-term view of the Sunshine Coast. This is about strengthening the region's ability to attract higher-yield leisure travellers, business events and year-round visitation."
Wagner noted that the opening moves the conversation around accommodation supply into delivery, marking a turning point for the region.
Queensland's Tourism Response
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Natassia Wheeler highlighted the critical importance of this development: "Queensland is facing a well-documented shortage of hotel rooms, particularly as we look ahead to 2032 and beyond. Developments such as Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel play a direct role in strengthening the state's visitor economy and ensuring Queensland remains competitive."
Present at the opening (L-R): Steffi Andruchiw (TEQ), Natassia Wheeler (QTIC), Kenneth Wagner (KPAT Hotels), Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Craig Hooley (Minor Hotels) & Racheal Klitscher (TEQ).
What This Means for Travel Advisors and Travelers
The opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel gives travel advisors a new, premium Sunshine Coast accommodation option to sell to clients. With its beachfront location, world-class amenities, and range of room types, the property is well-positioned to attract both leisure travelers seeking relaxation and business travelers requiring professional meeting facilities.
This addition significantly boosts room inventory for the popular leisure and business travel destination, addressing a long-standing capacity challenge that has limited the region's growth potential.
Looking Ahead
The much-anticipated hotel was originally slated to open in 2025 and follows the recent opening of Minor Hotels' Avani Living Queen's Wharf Residences in Brisbane City. These strategic developments position Queensland favorably as it prepares for the 2032 Olympics and beyond, with infrastructure that meets growing international visitor demand.
FAQs
Q: When did Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel officially open? A: The hotel officially opened on 11 May 2026, welcoming its first guests to the property.
Q: How many rooms does the new hotel add to the Sunshine Coast? A: Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel adds 180 rooms to the Sunshine Coast's accommodation capacity.
Q: Is this the first international hotel brand on the Sunshine Coast? A: Yes, this is the first full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in over 40 years.
Q: What amenities are available at the hotel? A: Amenities include a 12th-floor rooftop pool, multiple dining venues (Sully's Rooftop and First Avenue Cellar & Bar), AvaniSpa, AvaniFit, meeting spaces, and a wedding venue with ocean views.
Q: How close is the hotel to the beach? A: The hotel is located just 100 metres from Mooloolaba Beach.
Q: Who operates the hotel? A: The hotel is developed, owned and operated by Queensland's KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Bangkok-based Minor Hotels.