Crowne Plaza Maroochydore to Break Ground in 2026, Bringing Luxury Accommodation, Apartments, and Event Spaces to Australian Sunshine Coast

Published on December 9, 2025

The construction of the Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is set to commence in April 2026, following the approval of the Development Application by the Sunshine Coast Council last Friday. This highly anticipated development promises to be a significant addition to the region, bringing both leisure and business tourism accommodation to the heart of Maroochydore’s Ocean Street. The Crowne Plaza will also offer community entertainment facilities, boosting the region’s tourism appeal when it opens its doors in 2028.

Michael Maroun, Director at Felix Capital, expressed his gratitude to the Sunshine Coast Council for their support throughout the approval process. Maroun praised the council for ensuring the smooth progression of the application, which allowed for the timely commencement of this major development.

“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 when it opens in 2028,” Maroun said.

A Modern Hospitality Experience

The Crowne Plaza Maroochydore will feature 180 luxurious guest rooms, making it an essential addition to the region’s hospitality landscape. The hotel will also offer more than 900 square meters of flexible meeting and event space, including a 600-square-meter ballroom, catering to both business events and special occasions. For guests seeking relaxation, the hotel will include a 30-meter pool and spa, a fully equipped gym, and a sauna, along with secure basement parking spanning two levels.

The food and beverage offering at the Crowne Plaza will be extensive, with an all-day restaurant, a 160-seat signature dining venue, and an outdoor pool bar and lounge. The lobby bar will also serve as an inviting space for guests to unwind. The diverse facilities ensure that the hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers, providing a comprehensive experience in one of Queensland’s most vibrant regions.

AER Residence: Luxury Living Above the Hotel

As part of the development, AER Residence will offer 24 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments situated above the hotel, spread over four floors. These apartments, designed by the award-winning architectural and interior design firm DBI, are expected to be highly sought after. Each unit will feature a seamless layout with sizes ranging from 110m² to 280m², offering ample space for residents.

Niall Molloy from Ray White Maroochydore has been engaged as the sales agent for the apartments, and he has already fielded significant interest following the announcement of the Development Application in August. The marketing campaign for the apartments is set to ramp up as the construction phase progresses, further driving attention to the luxury living options available.

A Boost for the Sunshine Coast’s Tourism and Business Sector

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli highlighted the importance of the Crowne Plaza Maroochydore for the region’s tourism and business sectors. This development marks the second hotel approved under the Sunshine Coast Council’s Accommodation Hotel Incentive Measures, reaffirming the council’s commitment to addressing a significant shortfall in hotel rooms.

The Sunshine Coast is in need of more than 2,400 additional hotel rooms, which equates to approximately 10 new hotels, to support the region’s growing tourism industry. Mayor Natoli emphasized that the Crowne Plaza Maroochydore ticks all the boxes in terms of providing essential tourism infrastructure to boost the region’s appeal as a year-round destination. With its proximity to key attractions and business centers, the hotel is expected to attract both leisure and corporate visitors alike.

“The Sunshine Coast requires more than 2,400 additional hotel rooms, or around 10 new hotels, to support our tourism industry into the future,” Mayor Natoli said. “Council took a bold step to create incentives, and it is having an impact. 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.”

Targeted Opening in 2028

The Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is scheduled to open in 2028, and its construction is expected to be completed within two years. The development will help to meet the increasing demand for high-quality accommodation in the Sunshine Coast region, and it will play a crucial role in shaping the local tourism landscape for years to come. With its diverse range of facilities, including luxury apartments, event spaces, dining options, and recreational amenities, the Crowne Plaza is set to become a major landmark in Maroochydore.

Apartments in the development are expected to start from $1,850,000, offering luxury living in one of Queensland’s most sought-after locations. The integration of high-end residential and hospitality facilities will further enhance the appeal of the Crowne Plaza, positioning it as a key destination for both tourists and residents.

Conclusion: A Landmark Development for the Sunshine Coast

The Crowne Plaza Maroochydore is poised to become a landmark development, bringing world-class accommodation, event spaces, and luxury living to the Sunshine Coast. With construction set to begin in April 2026 and an opening slated for 2028, this development will provide much-needed infrastructure for the region’s growing tourism industry. The addition of AER Residence luxury apartments will further elevate the appeal of the project, offering residents a premium lifestyle in the heart of Maroochydore.

With its strategic location and extensive amenities, the Crowne Plaza is set to become a significant player in both the tourism and business sectors, attracting visitors from near and far while contributing to the region’s economic growth.