What’s new on the Sunshine Coast for 2026?

The Sunshine Coast is stepping confidently into a new tourism chapter, with major accommodation openings, destination dining and experience-led travel reshaping the region ahead of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

Here’s what’s driving the momentum:

Major hotel openings are raising the bar

The long-awaited arrival of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel marks the Sunshine Coast’s first internationally branded hotel in almost four decades. Alongside this, Elysium Noosa Resort (formerly Sofitel Noosa) is set to relaunch following a multi-million-dollar upgrade, while work has begun on The Calile Noosa, the region’s first new five-star hotel development in more than 30 years. 

The hinterland is emerging as a destination in its own right

Luxury and sustainability are converging across the hinterland, with properties like Mayan Farm, Sixty6 Acres, Seven Hills Estate and Fila Casablanca offering design-led farm stays and eco-retreats.

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Wellness is also central to this growth, with approvals for the Noosa Springs Boutique Hotel and new offerings like Kin Kin Springs Bathhouses reinforcing the hinterland’s appeal for slow, restorative travel.

Food and drink is a major drawcard

From coastal rooftops to country dining rooms, the Sunshine Coast’s culinary scene continues to evolve. Highlights include the opening of The Woodshed Restaurant at the Kin Kin Hotel, rooftop bars at Pavilion Mooloolaba, and new dining destinations such as Playa Mexican, éthos at Alsahwa Estate, and Fish House Steak & Grill on the Mooloolaba waterfront. Food-focused festivals like The Curated Plate further cement the region’s reputation as a serious culinary destination.

Experiences are becoming more immersive and inclusive

Operators are leaning into deeper, more meaningful visitor experiences. Mystic Mountain Tours has launched guided stargazing experiences in the hinterland as plans progress for a Dark Sky Reserve, while Saltwater Eco Tours has introduced accessible Indigenous-themed canoe tours.

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Nature-based wellness offerings from Held Outside and multi-day surf experiences from The Australian Surf Bus are broadening the region’s appeal beyond the beach.

Better connectivity is supporting growth

With the Sunshine Coast Airport now Australia’s fastest-growing airport and Virgin Australia trialling in-cabin pet travel on select routes, access to the region is improving. These developments are helping the Sunshine Coast attract new markets while catering to evolving traveller expectations.