Words: Charmaine Yabsley
This autumn is the perfect time to explore the coast – and beyond – with our round-up of new stays, spa indulgences, foodie festivals and experiences around Australia.
Sense of Stillness
This autumn, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa invites guests to slow down with Spa by JW’s Season of Stillness package, a restorative treatment designed to relax from head to toe.
The 90-minute experience begins with a signature copper foot soak and exfoliation, followed by a hot stone back massage using Aromatherapy Associates oils and a repairing facial by natural skincare brand Vanessa Megan. A warm argan and coconut oil scalp massage completes the treatment before guests enjoy organic Love Tea and access to the spa’s sauna, steam, and experience showers.
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: $340 per person (valued at $420)
Upgrade: Add a 30-minute body scrub or 60-minute Vanessa Megan facial for $109
Valid until: 31 August 2026
Bookings: jwmarriottgoldcoast.com or 07 5592 9796
Noosa’s New Luxury
Bookings are now open for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, set to debut in May 2026 as the Sunshine Coast’s first full-service internationally branded hotel in more than 40 years.
The 12-storey, 180-room property sits between Mooloolaba Beach and the Esplanade, with light-filled rooms designed in a relaxed coastal palette. A highlight is Sully’s Rooftop, where a pool and restaurant overlook the Pacific Ocean and Point Cartwright.
Dining will focus on seasonal produce and local seafood, while AvaniSpa and AvaniFit add a wellness focus to the stay.
Opening: May 2026
Rooms: 180
Location: The Esplanade, Mooloolaba
Bookings: avanihotels.com/mooloolaba-beach-hotel
Noosa Food & Wine Festival Returns
The Noosa Food & Wine Festival returns from 11–14 June 2026, bringing four days of chef collaborations, dining events and coastal celebrations to one of Australia’s favourite culinary destinations.
The program includes Signature Events, the Restaurant Series, and the American Express Festival Village, where guests can enjoy canapés, live cooking demonstrations and entertainment. Across the weekend, 19 Noosa restaurants will host curated dining events, with chefs including Alessandro Pavoni, Marion Grasby and Gino D’Acampo.
Signature highlights include the Opening Party on Noosa Main Beach, the Italian Long Lunch, the exclusive Makepeace Island Experience and the Sundowner Beach Party.
Dates: 11–14 June 2026
Location: Noosa, Queensland
Tickets: noosafoodandwine.com.au
Living the High Life
A new level of coastal luxury arrives with the Rise Kirra Point Penthouse has opened at one of the Gold Coast’s most coveted beachfront addresses.
The expansive five-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence offers space and privacy for multi-generational families or private retreats. Highlights include oversized ensuite bedrooms, a media room, office and play area, plus a large outdoor terrace designed for alfresco entertaining overlooking the Kirra coastline.
Guests arrive via private lift access and are just minutes from Gold Coast Airport: what better way to see the beautiful Gold Coast?
Location: Kirra Point, Gold Coast
Bookings: risekirrapoint.com.au
Heritage Charm in the Capital
Step into Canberra’s history at Hotel Kurrajong, a heritage property just a short walk from Parliament House. The hotel famously hosted former Prime Minister Ben Chifley, who lived here during his time in office. Today guests can dine at Chifley’s Bar & Grill, named in his honour. The Canberra Escape package includes breakfast for two, late checkout and 50% off parking.
From $199 per night
Bookings: hotelkurrajong.com.au
Good Vibes Only
Stay in the heart of the action at Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands, located beside The District entertainment precinct. Families can explore the immersive ArtVo gallery, skate at O’Brien Icehouse, or catch a game at Marvel Stadium.
From $175 per night
Bookings: vibehotels.com
Croc Wetlands Opens at Currumbin
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has unveiled Croc Wetlands, a new reptile precinct featuring four American alligators – Ace, Cal, Big John and The Rock – alongside resident crocs Patty and the legendary five-metre saltwater crocodile Boss Hog. Keeper talks give visitors the chance to learn more about these ancient predators.
Tickets: currumbinsanctuary.com.au
Designer diners
A wave of stylish cafés is reshaping the Gold Coast coffee scene. House of Halsa (1/2453 Gold Coast Highway) in Mermaid Beach pairs wellness dishes with terracotta interiors and a sunken lounge, while Velvet Lounge & Café in Miami (3 Ozone Parade, Miami, velvetcafelounge.com.au) swaps coastal whites for velvet seating and burgundy tones. In Burleigh, Mohr Café (4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads, eatmohr.com.au) brings European-inspired fare to the area’s popular café strip.
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Discover the cultural stories behind Burleigh Headland with a guided Jellurgal Walkabout at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Led by Yugambeh guides, the experience explores Dreaming stories, bush foods and ancient sites of Jellurgal, offering a deeper understanding of the area’s significance to the Kombumerri people.
More information: jellurgal.com.au
