Sunshine Coast now linked to two major Asian destinations

The Sunshine Coast now has air links to two major Asian destinations: Bali and Singapore.

Sunshine Coast Airport today welcomed its first international service to Singapore via Bali.

The new Jetstar service will operate three times per week. 

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Chris Mills said more than 200 passengers boarded the inaugural flight heading off to Bali.

“Today is a proud moment for our airport and our community," Mills said.

“Direct services to Bali and through to Singapore strengthens our region’s accessibility and helps unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

“The new service represents significant planning and investment in our airport to make sure it continues to grow alongside our region.

“We’re delighted to partner with Jetstar to deliver this service and look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience everything our region has to offer.” Mr Mills said.

Jetstar’s head of network fleet strategy and planning, Ted Knight, said the airline was proud to be leading the way in opening new international connections for the Sunshine Coast.

“Asia is closer than ever for Sunshine Coast residents and visitors with today’s inaugural service from Maroochydore to Bali and Singapore," Knight said.

“We’ll be offering more than 70,000 low-cost seats a year on this route so our customers can afford to take off more for less to Bali or continue to Singapore and beyond."

Jetstar currently operates direct services from Sunshine Coast Airport to Auckland, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns, making it the airport’s largest carrier.

Jetstar is offering one-way sale fares from the Sunshine Coast to Bali from $209 and from Sunshine Coast to Singapore from $249. See jetstar.com.

New international hotel approved for Sunshine Coast

Queensland's booming Sunshine Coast is set to get another international hotel. 

Construction of a new $150 million Crowne Plaza Maroochydore by Felix Capital will commence in April next year. 

The new Crowne Plaza, on Ocean Street, has been approved by Sunshine Coast Council. 

“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,” said Michael Maroun, director at Felix Capital. 

Crowne Plaza Maroochydore will feature 180 guest rooms alongside more than 900 square metres of and event space including a 600sqm ballroom. 

The hotel will also include a 30-metre pool and spa, gym, sauna, and secure basement parking across two levels. The food and beverage offering will include an all-day restaurant and a 160-seat signature dining venue, as well as an outdoor pool bar and lounge alongside a lobby bar.

Part of this development - sitting on top of the hotel, AER Residence will feature 24 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments over four floors.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Crowne Plaza will be an important addition to the region’s tourism and business sector.

“The Sunshine Coast requires more than 2,400 additional hotel rooms, or around 10 new hotels, to support our tourism industry into the future," she 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.” 

There is a targeted opening for the hotel in 2028.