The Mondrian Gold Coast marks the hotel brand’s hotly awaited debut on Aussie shores.
The Mondrian is an exclusive luxury hotel brand with outposts in 11 glitzy locations around the world – think LA, London, New York, Cannes, Bordeaux, and more. Now, the brand will open its very first Australian property, right on the Gold Coast‘s Burleigh Beach, this June, and bookings have officially opened. It’s one of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings of the year, following major hotel brands like Standard X, which opened in Melbourne late in 2024, and Hotel 1, set to debut in June.
The rooms and common spaces evoke coastal luxury with a natural colour palette and sculptural lines. (Image: Justin Nicholas)
Each Mondrian hotel adapts its design to reflect its location, yet all share a modern, creative and youthful design DNA. Mondrian Gold Coast is no different. The new hotel takes inspiration from the sandy shores of Burleigh Heads to create a relaxed, coastal-luxe interior. Think crisp whites, sculptural curves and beach-chic elegance across the interiors and architecture.
The Mondrian Gold Coast is the first Australian location for the iconic hotel brand. (Image: Justin Nicholas)
The Mondrian also boasts two dining venues set to shake up Burleigh Heads’ vibrant hospitality scene. There’s Italian-inspired LiTO that’s set to bring chic Med vibes to the ground floor and lobby, whereas The Haven on level three will lean into the region’s bohemian ‘barefoot’ vibe.
Haven restaurant and pool club channels the Gold Coast’s ‘barefoot’ bohemian vibe. (Image: Mondrian Gold Coast)
As for the rooms, Mondrian Gold Coast consists of 208 sleek studios, suites and homes. But the crown jewel is the Sky House on the 24th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal 180-degree views stretching from Moreton Bay to Burleigh Headland. It also features a private chef’s kitchen, bar and three luxurious king-sized ensuite bedrooms.
The Sky House on the 24th floor is the Mondrian’s most luxurious offering. (Image: Mondrian Gold Coast)
Altogether, the Mondrian is a revamp of the Gold Coast’s luxury accommodation and hospitality offerings. If you want to be one of the first to experience the hotly anticipated Mondrian, don’t snooze on booking your stay now ahead of the June opening date.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.
Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.
The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.
1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025
While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.
Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.
In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.
Catch live music and more.
2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500
11-13 July, 2025
Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.
Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.
See supercars take over Townsville.
3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music
25 July – 2 Aug 2025
Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events, The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.
The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.
Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)
4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025
Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.
Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.
Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)
5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition
23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025
Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.
And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.
See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)
6. Wallabies v Argentina
6 September
Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.
The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.
See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)
