The Sunshine Coast’s first full-service internationally-branded hotel in more than four decades has reached a key moment ahead of its opening.
The Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, by Queensland-owned and operated KPAT Hotels, has officially started to take bookings.
Photos and footage of some of the 180 rooms have also been released ahead of the 12-storey tower’s opening on May 11.
KPAT Hotels managing director Kenneth Wagner said the opening of reservations was a milestone for the company and the state’s tourism industry.
“There has been a great deal of discussion about the need to build more hotel rooms in Queensland, particularly as we look toward 2032 and beyond,” he said.
“Today marks a tangible step forward. We are no longer talking about the future pipeline, we are going on sale with 180 new rooms in one of the state’s most strategically important leisure destinations.
“As a Queensland-based owner-operator, we have invested with confidence in the long-term growth of the Sunshine Coast.
“This project responds directly to strong and sustained demand from domestic travellers, growing interstate visitation and growing awareness of the Sunshine Coast amongst international travellers as both a leisure and business events destination.”
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The hotel offers a variety of rooms and offers. As an example, an ‘early bird’ deal, for two people and one room, from May 11 to May 13, could cost about $341 per night.
The Sunshine Coast has experienced sustained tourism growth over the past decade, supported by airport expansion, population growth and continued infrastructure investment.
However, new large-scale hotel supply has remained limited, with much of the region’s existing accommodation stock consisting of apartment-style properties.
The addition of the full-service hotel rooms will increase the region’s capacity to host higher-yield leisure travellers, business events, conferences and incentive groups – segments identified as critical to driving year-round occupancy and economic impact.
Mr Wagner said the project was designed to meet contemporary traveller expectations while strengthening the region’s ability to compete nationally.
“The Sunshine Coast has evolved significantly in recent years, yet it has not seen a new full-service internationally branded hotel of this scale in four decades,” he said.
“This development positions the region to capture a greater share of premium leisure, corporate and event-driven travel, helping to distribute demand beyond traditional peak periods.”
The project has also delivered economic benefits during its development and construction phases, supporting local trades, consultants and suppliers.
Once operational, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is expected to create about 200 direct hospitality jobs across management, food and beverage, events, wellness and front-of-house roles, in addition to ongoing indirect employment through local supply chains.
The hotel’s dining venues, including rooftop restaurant Sully’s, led by executive chef Mark Godbeer (ex The Calile Hotel, Brisbane) will prioritise locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce, supporting Sunshine Coast’s agriculture, food and beverage industries.
Mr Wagner said the economic impact of the hotel extended well beyond its rooms.
“Hotels are powerful economic drivers,” he said.
“From the construction workforce that brought this project to life, to the farmers, fishers and beverage producers who will supply our kitchens, the ripple effect is significant.
“Every additional visitor night supports restaurants, retailers, tour operators, transport providers and cultural experiences across the region. This is long-term infrastructure investment that generates ongoing economic activity.”
Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler welcomed the investment, noting the importance of new room supply as Queensland prepares for a decade of major events and visitation growth.
“The addition of 180 new full-service rooms on the Sunshine Coast is not just welcome – it is necessary,” she said.
“Every new hotel project helps to close the accommodation shortfall and strengthens Queensland’s ability to host global events, major conferences and high-value international visitors.”
“We need more projects like this moving from planning to delivery, supported by streamlined approvals, enabling infrastructure and workforce solutions that ensure these hotels can operate at full capacity.”
“This development demonstrates that industry is ready to invest. Continued collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector will be essential to ensure Queensland has the rooms, the workforce and the infrastructure required to meet demand through 2032 and beyond.”
Developed, owned and operated by KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Minor Hotels, the project reflects the growth of a hospitality group that has expanded from regional pub operations to a diversified portfolio of hotels and hospitality assets across Queensland.
Mr Wagner said the decision to invest in Mooloolaba was driven by long-term fundamentals.
“We believe deeply in the future of the Sunshine Coast and in Queensland’s tourism story,” he said.
“This project demonstrates that while the conversation continues about building more rooms, Queensland operators are already delivering them. Today is a major milestone – for KPAT Hotels, for Mooloolaba and for the state’s broader tourism economy.”
See the hotel’s offerings here.
