New Crowne Plaza Hotel Set To Elevate Maroochydore’s Tourism

Published on December 9, 2025

The Sunshine Coast Council has approved a major 150 million dollars investment in Maroochydore, aimed at significantly boosting the region’s tourism and business infrastructure. The project, set to begin construction in April 2026, will see the development of a Crowne Plaza hotel featuring 180 guest rooms, as well as 24 luxury apartments. This new addition is poised to attract both leisure and business travellers to Maroochydore, further establishing it as a key tourism destination in Queensland.

The Crowne Plaza will not only provide much-needed hotel accommodation but also include top-tier facilities such as a 30-metre pool, spa, gym, sauna, and secure parking. The hotel will feature a variety of dining options, including an all-day restaurant, a 160-seat signature dining venue, and an outdoor pool bar, catering to the diverse needs of visitors.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Accommodation in Sunshine Coast

Maroochydore, located on the Sunshine Coast, has been facing a shortage of hotel rooms, which has limited the region’s capacity to accommodate growing tourist numbers. According to Sunshine Coast Council reports, more than 2,400 additional hotel rooms are needed across the region, equating to around 10 new hotels, to meet future demand and support the local tourism industry.

The Crowne Plaza is a direct response to this challenge. The development is part of a broader strategy to address this shortfall through the Accommodation Hotel Incentive Measures introduced by the council. By attracting high-quality hotels like Crowne Plaza, the Sunshine Coast Council aims to enhance the region’s appeal as a year-round destination.

The Economic Impact of the Crowne Plaza Development

The new hotel and luxury apartments will bring more than just increased accommodation options. The construction project itself will create numerous job opportunities, while the completed development will support the local economy by attracting both international and domestic tourists. As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow in popularity, having a large-scale, internationally recognised hotel brand like Crowne Plaza will be a major draw for business events and conferences, providing a boost to the local MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

Additionally, the integration of luxury apartments into the project will cater to the high-end market, encouraging extended stays and the growth of residential tourism. The apartments are designed with spacious layouts, ranging from 110sqm to 280sqm, making them attractive for both investment and leisure purposes.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Role in Driving Tourism Growth

Sunshine Coast Council has been proactive in ensuring the region’s tourism infrastructure keeps up with growing demand. Through its Accommodation Hotel Incentive Measures, the council has facilitated the approval of this high-profile development, marking a significant step in its plan to position the Sunshine Coast as one of Queensland’s premier tourism destinations.

The approval of the Crowne Plaza hotel follows a trend of similar large-scale developments in the area. It is the second hotel project to receive approval under the council’s incentives program. With the expected opening of the Crowne Plaza in 2028, Maroochydore will have a flagship hotel that caters to both leisure and business travellers, making it a central hub for tourism in the region.

Enhancing Maroochydore’s Appeal for Year-Round Tourism

The new Crowne Plaza hotel is expected to become a key landmark in Maroochydore, reinforcing the area’s status as a major tourism destination on the Sunshine Coast. The hotel’s comprehensive facilities, combined with the appeal of the region’s beaches, nature reserves, and vibrant cultural attractions, will make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors.

With the addition of this major development, Maroochydore will be better positioned to cater to the growing demand for tourism infrastructure, ensuring the Sunshine Coast remains a top choice for tourists seeking a mix of natural beauty, luxury accommodation, and world-class facilities.