Minor Hotels has opened the Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in Australia.

The hotel is said to be the first internationally branded new-build property to open in the region in more than 40 years.

With views of the Pacific Ocean, it brings 180 rooms to the area and is part of Minor Hotels’ initiative to develop its presence in Australia's coastal destinations.

It features facilities such as a rooftop pool and terrace, an in-house spa and fitness centre, and an Avani Experience Host to arrange activities and excursions around the Sunshine Coast.

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel general manager Scott Wright said: “We are thrilled to welcome our first guests today and deliver on our promise to bring a new level of accommodation and dining to the Sunshine Coast.

“Our team is ready to help guests settle in, explore the hotel and experience everything this destination has to offer.”

Minor Hotels Australasia chief operating officer Craig Hooley said: “The opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel marks an important step in the continued growth of our premium brand portfolio across Australasia.”

The launch of the hotel coincides with broader developments in the region, including the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.

The A$170m ($123m) expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity to cities such as Sydney, Auckland, and Singapore.

Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel expands the group’s network, which includes properties in Adelaide, Broadbeach, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Last month, Minor Hotels partnered with Rasa Group for two resort properties in Thailand, introducing the Colbert Collection brand to Asia and expanding its Avani portfolio.