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“I would argue that this is the most significant hotel opening in Australia this year,” a Sunshine Coast local tells me about the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. At 13 storeys high, it might not be the largest in scale, but its opening sure is a landmark event for one of Queensland’s most unpretentious beach towns, marking the region’s first internationally branded hotel to launch in almost four decades.
Given that reaction, I check in with high expectations – and 48 hours later, I can confirm this new five-star stay is well worth the wait. Set just a block back from the shimmering shores of Mooloolaba’s main beach, this 180-key property isn’t trying to steal the spotlight from its natural surroundings. Instead, its rippled, greenery-draped facade mirrors the waves, setting the tone for a slow-paced getaway where everything worth doing and seeing is just a stroll away.
That said, you could happily spend hours hiding upstairs: stretched out on a daybed by the infinity pool, lapping up the coastal breeze from your private balcony, melting your stress away in the private sauna, or sipping sundowner cocktails at the stylish rooftop bar. Avani is both the place to be seen and not be seen – and it feels like the missing piece in Mooloolaba’s puzzle to becoming Australia's next coastal hot spot.
Where is Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel?
The Avani is tucked away on a side street just one block back from Mooloolaba Beach, and a short stroll from the esplanade’s buzzing restaurant and shopping strip. Most local water adventures depart from The Wharf, which is an easy five-minute walk away, and an in-house Experience Host can recommend and arrange the best activities within the region. Think humpback whale swims, sunset bushtucker cruises and fairy penguin encounters at the aquarium.
Getting to the Avani is equally seamless. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, which has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns. Alternatively, Mooloolaba is an easy 30-minute drive from Noosa, 1.5 hours from Brisbane or two hours from the Gold Coast.
What are the rooms like at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel?
Guests can check into one of 180 light-filled rooms, ranging from deluxe twins and kings to ocean-view suites (some interconnected to cater for families and groups). I stayed in an Ocean Twin Room on level ten, complete with a private balcony facing the sparkling shores of Mooloolaba Beach and offering views stretching from Point Cartwright on the right to Alexandra Headland on the left.
Inside, the design reflects the region's coastal charm, infused with pops of colour that remind you this laid-back beach town doesn’t take itself too seriously. I loved the bright surf-inspired artworks, bedheads reminiscent of blue-and-white striped beach towels, sandy-toned floorboards, and plush pale-blue robes that nod to the sea. I thought the open-plan layout made clever use of space, featuring a walk-in shower and toilet discreetly hidden behind translucent glass doors. Equal care is evident in the cheeky details, from the clever vanity kit (“Comb on over”) to a hyper-local minibar featuring Sunshine & Sons spirits, Heads of Noosa lager, and artisan sweet treats from Noosa Natural Chocolate.
After a day in the salt air, I slept like a dream in the cloud-like bed – which even comes with a dedicated pillow menu available at the push of a button. Talk about royal treatment!
Hot tip: If you appreciate a good night’s sleep, you might want to request a lower-level room or bring a solid pair of earplugs. Sully’s Rooftop is open until 1am daily, and on weekends, the buzz drowns out the sound of the ocean waves.
What is the best place to eat and drink at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel?
You’re spoilt for choice with three distinct dining experiences at Avani, open for both guests and locals. Sully’s Rooftop on level 12 is my number one recommendation, offering all-day dining against a stunning 180-degree backdrop of the coast. The 300-seat venue is split between a breezy open-air terrace made for sunset sips, a buzzy cocktail lounge ideal for a pre-dinner drink, and an intimate dining room built for special occasions and group feasts. The menu spotlights local producers through a seafood-heavy lineup of share plates, including their signature ember-roasted king prawns with coconut dressing, a smoked Wagyu beef snag (think fancy Bunnings sausage sizzle), and, my top pick, an al dente linguine tossed with spanner crab, Moreton Bay bug and fish.
By 6.30am, Sully’s is back in action with a succinct à la carte breakfast selection, including chilli fried eggs with jalapeño cream, coconut waffles with yoghurt, and a crowd-favourite eggs Benny with burnt-butter hollandaise. Every brekkie guest also gets a seasonal fruit plate and a daily surprise pastry, so you never have to choose between sweet and savoury.
Downstairs, the street-level Lobby Bar is a more relaxed spot for a morning cuppa and pastry, or a casual pre-dinner aperitif. It’s super stylish, fitted with Japanese-style paper lanterns, plush teal rugs and comfy terracotta lounges.
Rounding out the options, First Avenue Cellar & Bar – a moodier, more intimate drinking den – is set to open on the ground floor by the end of 2027.
What is the pool like at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel?
The Avani boasts the highest rooftop infinity pool in town, with 180-degree views that sweep from the rolling waves of Mooloolaba Beach deep into the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the iconic dome-shaped cupolas of the Mantra Zanzibar directly in front, it’s easy to trick yourself into thinking you’re lounging somewhere in the Greek Islands – especially after a couple of poolside cocktails.
Surrounding the heated pool, you’ll find four enclosed cabanas with bright orange day beds, alongside a line of sun loungers shaded by classic striped umbrellas. Bar snacks and chilled drinks can be delivered to your lounger from the neighbouring Sully’s Rooftop.
What is the gym like at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel?
As you’d expect from a brand-new hotel, the gym, AvaniFit, is super modern and fitted out with the latest high-tech equipment. The space is neatly zoned for cardio, strength and functional training, though it’s quite compact. Time your workouts outside of peak hours if you want enough room to comfortably stretch out.
What is the spa like at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel?
Next door to the gym on level three, AvaniSpa offers a calm wellness sanctuary for both guests and visitors. One of the top perks of staying at the hotel is complimentary access to the traditional two-person sauna, which you can reserve for private 30-minute sessions. It’s the perfect way to unwind your mind and muscles before or after a treatment.
The AvaniSpa houses four private treatment rooms (including a dedicated couples’ suite) and offers a curated selection of massages and facials. I tried Avani’s signature massage, the Mooloolaba Melt, a divine sequence featuring a warm foot soak, full-body Swedish massage and a herbal Ikkari tonic. For those who’ve spent the morning catching waves, the Surfer’s Release is another favourite, combining hot stones and deep-tissue techniques to melt away tension. If you're looking for a quick reset, 30-minute mini massages and facials start at just $99.
Address: 10 Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba, QLD
Price: From $341 per night
Book now: Here