- Bookings now open for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, opening on 11 May 2026
- First full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in four decades
- 180 new rooms added to Queensland’s tourism inventory ahead of 2032 – helping to close the gap of what’s needed to deliver on The Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Private Queensland investment – developed, owned and operated by Queensland-based KPAT Hotels under franchise with Minor Hotels
Project supporting construction jobs, ongoing hospitality employment and local supply chains
Wednesday 4 March 2026: Queensland-owned and operated KPAT Hotels has officially opened bookings for the landmark Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, marking a significant private sector investment into the State’s tourism infrastructure at a time when the state faces increasing accommodation pressure in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Scheduled to open on 11 May 2026, the 12-storey, 180-room property represents the first full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in more than four decades – delivering much-needed new room stock into one of Queensland’s most in-demand leisure markets.
With industry leaders and government continuing to highlight the need for additional accommodation supply across South East Queensland ahead of 2032, KPAT Hotels is among the first to bring new large-scale inventory to market.
Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT Hotels, said the opening of bookings was a milestone not only for the company, but for the state’s tourism readiness.
“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,” Wagner 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.”
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 180 full-service hotel rooms increases 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.
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.”
Beyond new room supply, the project has delivered significant economic benefits throughout its development and construction phases, supporting local trades, consultants and suppliers.
Once operational, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is expected to create around 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 broader economic impact of the hotel extended well beyond its 180 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 (QTIC) 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. 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.”
“Importantly, this is private Queensland capital stepping forward with confidence. 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 locally grown hospitality group that has expanded from regional pub operations to a diversified portfolio of hotels and hospitality assets across Queensland.
Wagner said the decision to invest in Mooloolaba was driven by long-term fundamentals rather than short-term cycles.
“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.”
Bookings for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel are now open, with the first guests set to check in from 11 May 2026.
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
About Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is a 12-storey, 180-room full-service hotel located in the heart of Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Positioned at the intersection of the ocean and the Esplanade, the hotel offers expansive coastal views and direct access to Mooloolaba Beach.
Marking the first full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in four decades, the property introduces a new benchmark for contemporary coastal hospitality in the region.
The hotel features a rooftop pool oriented toward the Pacific Ocean, destination dining at Sully’s Rooftop led by Executive Chef Mark Godbeer (ex The Calile Hotel, Brisbane), a street-level Lobby Bar, and a dedicated events floor capable of hosting up to 250 guests. Wellness is central to the guest experience, with AvaniSpa delivering results-driven treatments and AvaniFit offering a modern fitness concept integrated throughout the stay.
About KPAT Hotels
KPAT Hotels is an Australian hotel and hospitality developer, owner and operator dedicated to creating iconic destinations that celebrate genuine hospitality, community and culture. Since its inception in 2020, KPAT has combined development expertise with operational excellence to deliver compelling guest experiences across its growing portfolio of hotels and venues in Queensland and beyond.
The company is recognised for its commitment to place-making, thoughtful design and quality service that reflects the local spirit of each location. With a focus on enriching the lives of guests and the communities it serves, KPAT Hotels continues to expand its presence in key markets, setting new benchmarks for hospitality and contributing to the vibrancy of regional and coastal destinations.