What's New on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's fastest-growing tourism regions. Here's everything that's opened, launched or is coming soon — so your visit catches the very best of it.
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
The Sunshine Coast's biggest hotel opening in over 40 years
The Sunshine Coast just got its first internationally branded new-build hotel in more than four decades. Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel has opened its doors on Mooloolaba Esplanade, bringing 180 light-filled rooms to one of Queensland's most beloved surf towns.
The 12-storey hotel is the first Australian property under Minor Hotels' Avani brand, and it arrives with serious dining credentials. Sully's Rooftop — the hotel's signature Level 12 restaurant under Executive Chef Marky Godbeer (formerly of The Calile Hotel) — is already generating buzz for its modern Australian menu built around local seafood and Sunshine Coast producers. Think freshly shucked oysters with fermented chilli mignonette, lime-cured Mooloolaba yellowfin tuna, and grass-fed rib eye with black garlic butter.
The rooftop pool and terrace offer sweeping 180-degree views across Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains — likely to become the Coast's most Instagram-worthy new sunset spot. A street-level Lobby Bar and the upcoming First Avenue Cellar + Bar round out the food and beverage offering.
More News & Openings
After a hugely successful 2025, Strummingbird is back and bigger than ever. The Sunshine Coast's premier music festival will return to Kawana in 2026 with an incredible lineup headlined by Post Malone. Expect world-class live music, food and beverages, and an unforgettable coastal festival experience. Early bird tickets are already in demand.
The Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project is progressively transforming the beach precinct with expanded parkland, improved beach access, new shading structures and upgraded public facilities. Sections are already open, with the full project set to complete by late 2026. The result will cement Mooloolaba as one of Queensland's premier beach destinations.
Noosa Shire Council has reaffirmed strict development controls to protect Noosa's low-rise character and natural environment. The masterplan ensures Hastings Street remains boutique, limits building heights, and expands wildlife corridors through Noosa National Park. Good news for anyone who loves Noosa exactly as it is.
Sunshine Coast Airport's international terminal expansion is complete, adding direct international routes to New Zealand and beyond. The upgrade has significantly improved the passenger experience, with new retail, dining and lounge facilities. Flying direct to MCY from Auckland and other trans-Tasman routes is now easier than ever.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Food & Agritourism Trail has expanded with 12 new producers joining the self-drive route through Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. From award-winning cheesemakers and craft brewers to macadamia farms and chocolate artisans, the trail now spans over 40 stops. Pick up the trail map at any hinterland visitor centre.
The beloved Caloundra Music Festival is back for another year at Kings Beach Amphitheatre — one of Australia's most picturesque outdoor music venues. The four-day festival draws national and international artists across multiple stages, with the ocean backdrop making it one of the country's most unique live music experiences. Tickets go fast.
The new Maroochydore City Centre — the Sunshine Coast's purpose-built urban hub — continues to take shape along the Maroochy River waterfront. With new apartments, office towers, retail precincts and a planned waterfront boardwalk, Maroochydore is transforming from a suburban centre into a genuine coastal city. Worth watching over the next two years.