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Sunshine Coast to score $150 million Crowne Plaza hotel 

Eleanor EdströmBy Eleanor Edström
New property alert: the Sunshine Coast Council has approved the construction of Crowne Plaza Maroochydore, slated to open in 2028.

Crowne Plaza Maroochydore, a sleek new hotel set to expand the coastal town’s leisure offerings, has officially received the green light. The Sunshine Coast Council approved the new 180-key hotel last Friday, with construction expected to kick off in April 2026. Located on Maroochydore’s Ocean Street, the hotel offers guests easy access to the town’s vibrant centre and riverfront. 

Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the $150 million development will help address Maroochydore’s lack of accommodation and improve tourism infrastructure in the region. 

Crowne Plaza Maroochydore exterior
Located on Maroochydore’s Ocean Street, the hotel will improve the region’s tourism infrastructure. (Image: supplied)

“This is the second hotel to be approved under the Sunshine Coast Council’s Accommodation Hotel Incentive Measures, and it reaffirms our commitment to addressing a major shortfall in hotel rooms," explained Natoli. “The Sunshine Coast requires more than 2,400 additional hotel rooms, or around 10 new hotels, to support our tourism industry into the future." 

Expected to open to the public in 2028, Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is one of seven Crowne Plaza hotels in the pipeline in Australia, with 14 currently operating. The hotel will offer 180 guest rooms, complemented by a gym, sauna and 30-metre pool and spa offering guests space to decompress and rejuvenate. In good news for business travellers, the property will also feature 900 square metres of flexible meeting and event space, including an impressive 600-square-metre ballroom. 

Crowne Plaza Maroochydore hotel
Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is set to open in 2028. (Image: supplied)

Come mealtime, guests can opt for the all-day restaurant or retreat to the 160-seat signature dining venue. A swish lobby bar and outdoor pool bar and lounge will bring sophisticated new drinking spaces to the coastal town. 

“This is an incredible announcement for Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast. Crowne Plaza will provide much needed leisure and business tourism accommodation as well as community entertainment facilities for the region," Natoli said. 

“Crowne Plaza ticks every box in terms of providing important tourism infrastructure to boost our region’s appeal as a year-round destination and we look forward to construction commencing in April next year." 

Crowne Plaza Maroochydore
Crowne Plaza Maroochydore will feature a 30-metre pool. (Image: supplied)

In addition to the hotel rooms, the development will also feature 24 luxury two- and three- bedroom apartments across four floors. Ranging from 110 to 280 square metres, the generously sized apartments have been designed by multi-award-winning architectural and interior design firm DBI. They will be priced from $1,850,000. 

The details

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Maroochydore 

Location: Ocean Street, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast  

Number of rooms: 180 

Best for: business and leisure travellers seeking proximity to the Maroochy River and Maroochydore’s lively heart 

Opening date: expected for 2028 

 

Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    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.

    performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
    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.

    crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
    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.

    lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
    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.

    SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
    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.

    Wedgwood teacup
    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.

    aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
    See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

    Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .