The Gold Coast’s newest luxury hotel has been a long time coming. But bookings are now officially open, and you can get up to 25 per cent off.
Reservations are open at Andaz Gold Coast, the first hotel under Hyatt’s design-led Andaz brand to arrive in Australia or the Pacific. The 202-room property is due to open late this year, with the first bookable dates from 14 December.
Andaz operates around 30 hotels worldwide, in Tokyo, London, New York, Singapore, Bali and Maui among others, and the brand’s premise is that no two should look alike. Each one is meant to read as a product of where it stands rather than a template dropped into a new postcode. On the Gold Coast, that idea has been handed to Australian firm DBI Architects, with interiors by Hachem – the studio behind W Melbourne.
A hotel built around the light
Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows.
The design brief follows the movement of the sun across the coastline: the sharper light of a Pacific sunrise at one end of the day, warmer tones over the hinterland at the other. That means warm materials, shifting light and green references to the hinterland running through spaces intended to change character between morning and evening.
Then there’s the food and drink, and a reasonable amount of it. Nove Restaurant and Bar is the anchor – Mediterranean cooking through a modern Australian lens, built around a fire grill and shared plates. Vista Lounge is the all-day social space, Verde Bar the smaller room for cocktails at golden hour. Outside, the Andaz Pool Club combines private cabanas, drinks and dining across an expansive deck.
Experience fire-led dining at Nove Restaurant and Bar.
Enjoy cocktails at golden hour at Verde Bar.
Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, with private outdoor space in some. Suites add deep soaking bathtubs and dual vanities, and the top-tier Andaz Residence Suite comes with an entertainer’s terrace. There’s a Matrix Fitness gym, and Andaz hosts on hand to point guests towards the parts of the Gold Coast that aren’t the hotel.
Andaz Gold Coast general manager Saraid Carey said the hotel feels unmistakably Gold Coast. “From sunrise-lit guestrooms and expressive dining to afternoons around the pool and cocktails at golden hour, every element has been shaped around the way people want to experience this destination," she said.
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AI Prompt
The jade wellness bathtub in the Andaz Residence Suite.
Choose the Andaz Residence Suite for an indoor-outdoor experience.
The Andaz Residence Suite is 132sqm.
The hotel occupies floors six to 21 of the second tower at The Star Gold Coast, a $400 million addition to the Broadbeach Island resort. When Hyatt announced the deal in September 2024, the hotel was slated to open in mid-2025. That became early-to-mid 2026, then mid-2026, and now late 2026. Delays on a 63-storey tower are hardly unusual, and Hyatt has not put a reason on the record.
Details
Relax in private cabanas at the Andaz Pool Club.
Address: 16 Casino Drive, Broadbeach, Qld
When: Bookings available from 14 December 2026
Cost: From $350 per night
Bookings: Andaz Gold Coast is now accepting reservations.
Save 20 per cent (or 25 per cent for World of Hyatt members) with the Grand Opening Offer for stays between 14 December 2026 and 30 June 2027.
Or book the Gold Coast Escape package for a two-night stay, and you’ll get a complimentary room upgrade plus a $100 daily dining and drinking credit. World of Hyatt members also receive an additional 5 per cent discount.
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Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.
Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.
Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.
Local gourmet goodies
Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)
The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.
Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.
Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.
Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region
Travelling with young humans
Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)
Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.
For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.
This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.
Exploring local waterways
Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)
Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.
Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.
To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.
Adrenaline adventures
Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)
One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.
Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.
If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.
For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!
Experiences that give back
See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)
With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.
Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.
