New era for the Sunshine Coast as Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel opens
Positioned on Mooloolaba Esplanade overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the new 12-storey beachfront hotel officially welcomed its first guests this week.
The Sunshine Coast’s accommodation landscape has entered a new chapter with the opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, the first internationally branded new-build hotel to open in the region in more than 40 years.
Positioned on Mooloolaba Esplanade overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the new 12-storey beachfront hotel officially welcomed its first guests this week, marking a significant milestone for both the destination and Minor Hotels’s growing Australasian portfolio.
The 180-room property introduces a contemporary beachfront offering to one of Australia’s most popular coastal tourism destinations, combining modern accommodation with rooftop dining, wellness facilities, and curated guest experiences.
Scott Wright, General Manager of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, said the opening had been years in the making.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first guests today and deliver on our promise to bring a new level of accommodation and dining to the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Wright said.
“Our team is ready to help guests settle in, explore the hotel and experience everything this destination has to offer.”
The hotel’s rooftop pool and terrace form a central part of the guest experience, alongside wellness facilities including AvaniSpa and AvaniFit. Guests can also access tailored local experiences through the hotel’s Avani Experience Host program, designed to connect visitors with coastal activities, dining, and cultural experiences throughout the region.
Dining at the property is led by Sully’s Rooftop, the hotel’s signature restaurant headed by Executive Chef Marky Godbeer. Initially opening exclusively to in-house guests ahead of its public launch on May 15, the venue focuses on locally sourced produce and fresh seafood, including Mooloolaba prawns.
Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the opening reflected the group’s broader regional growth strategy.
“The opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel marks an important step in the continued growth of our premium brand portfolio across Australasia,” Mr Hooley said.
The opening also arrives amid growing investment in the Sunshine Coast tourism sector. The ongoing Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project is set to deliver upgraded beachfront parklands and improved public access, while the $170 million redevelopment of Sunshine Coast Airport aims to strengthen connections with major domestic and international markets including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland, Denpasar, and Singapore.
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel joins a growing network of Avani properties in Australia, including locations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Gold Coast, as the brand continues to expand its footprint in key urban and resort destinations.
Read: Minor Hotels sharpens growth agenda for 2026 after record year of signings
