New hotels to pave way for tourism and hospitality
As of May 15, 2025, Australia has a significant number of new hotels under construction, reflecting a positive outlook for the tourism and hospitality sectors. Here's a breakdown of some key projects and trends:
National Overview:
- Strong Pipeline: Over 5,700 rooms are currently under construction across Australia and are expected to open within the next two years.
- Focus on Premium: A significant portion (56%) of these new hotel developments are in the premium market, catering to high-end travelers.
- Leading Cities: Melbourne (31%) and Sydney (29%) account for the largest share of hotel rooms currently under construction.
- Construction Starts Increasing: The first quarter of 2025 saw a considerable increase in construction starts in the Asia Pacific region (excluding China), with 115 projects breaking ground, representing a 55% year-on-year increase.
Major Hotel Projects Underway (with expected completion timelines):
- Melbourne, Victoria:
- Hannah St Hotel (TFE Hotels): 188-room boutique hotel in Southbank, expected to open in September 2025.
- 1 Hotel Melbourne (Seafarers project): Sustainable luxury brand making its Australian debut, expected to open in May 2025.
- Hilton Melbourne Square: Part of a large mixed-use development.
- Six Senses Burnham Beeches (Dandenong Ranges, near Melbourne): Luxury conversion of a heritage mansion, expected to open sometime after 2025.
- Sydney, New South Wales:
- 25hours Hotel The Olympia (Paddington): 109-room boutique hotel in a transformed heritage cinema, expected to open in June 2025.
- Moxy Sydney Airport: Underway, with Moxy Hotels known for their stylish and social vibe.
- Waldorf Astoria Sydney: Iconic luxury brand making its Australian debut.
- W Sydney (Darling Harbour): Opened recently and was under construction for some time.
- Queensland (particularly in anticipation of the 2032 Olympics):
- Mondrian Gold Coast (Burleigh Heads): Luxury hotel brand debuting in Australia, expected to open in early to mid-2025.
- AAZxxAdina Hotel Chermside (Brisbane): Expected to open in 2025.
- Kimpton Hotel (Brisbane): Expected to open in 2028.
- The Dorsett (Brisbane, Queen's Wharf development):
- The Rosewood (Brisbane, Queen's Wharf development):
- The Calile Noosa: Expected to open in 2028.
- * Perth, Western Australia:
- Hyde Perth: Located in the CBD, expected to open in late 2025.
- Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch: Was under construction and expected to open in February 2025.
- Adelaide, South Australia:
- Adelaide Marriott Hotel (GPO redevelopment): Expected to open in mid-2025.
- Adelaide Little National Hotel: Was under construction in Q2 2024.
- InterContinental Barossa Resort and Spa (Barossa Valley): Announced recently, slated to open in 2028 (subject to planning approval).
- The Oscar at Seppeltsfield (Barossa Valley): Six-star luxury hotel with approximately 70 rooms, expected to open in 2025.
- Gold Coast, Queensland:
- Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast (Palm Beach): Six-storey luxury hotel aiming for completion in 2026.
- St. Regis Gold Coast Resort (Main Beach): Expected to open in 2027.
- Gold Coast Campus Tower (student accommodation with potential hotel component): Construction commenced in Q2 2024, expected completion in Q3 2026.
- Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel (Sunshine Coast): Construction commenced in Q2 2024, expected completion in Q3 2025.
Key Observations:
- Luxury Focus: Many of the underway projects cater to the luxury and upper-upscale segments, indicating a confidence in the demand for high-end accommodations.
- Major City Developments: Sydney and Melbourne continue to see significant hotel development activity.
- Queensland Expansion: The lead-up to the 2032 Olympics is driving substantial hotel growth in Brisbane and the surrounding regions.
- Mixed-Use Projects: Some new hotels are part of larger mixed-use developments, integrating residential, retail, and commercial spaces.
- International Brand Expansion: Several international hotel brands are making their debut or expanding their presence in the Australian market.
This information provides a snapshot of the dynamic hotel development landscape currently underway in Australia. The new hotels are expected to contribute significantly to the country's accommodation capacity and cater to the anticipated growth in both domestic and international tourism in the coming years.
Australian Hospitality Directory, 15th May 2025
