Moreton Bay Gears Up for Tourism Boom with New Hotels on the Horizon

With tourism on the rise and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games fast approaching, the demand for additional accommodation in Moreton Bay has never been greater. 


Read: High-Rise Living Comes to Woody Point, Redcliffe with New Development Proposal


The region is striving to establish itself as “Australia’s next hotel hotspot,” with a series of bold plans and proposals underway. While four hotels are currently in various stages of planning and approval, experts suggest the area will require at least twice as many to meet future needs.

A Growing Need for Hotels

Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted the region’s needs two years ago, stating that Moreton Bay would require eight new hotels with 1035 rooms by 2032. Invest Moreton Bay’s latest findings go even further, suggesting demand could support up to 10 new hotels and over 1500 rooms right now. Here are the potential locations for the upcoming hotels in the region.

Bluewater Square

Photo Credit: DA/2022/5128/MoretonBayCouncil

One of the standout projects is the proposed hotel at Bluewater Square in Redcliffe. Approved by the Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2023, this development by Elanor Investor Group will include an eight-storey, 142-room hotel above the shopping centre. 

Featuring public art and murals on its facade, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar open to both guests and the public, a function area, kitchen, and swimming pool. Guests will be treated to breathtaking views of Moreton Island. Positioned at the corner of Sutton Street and Anzac Avenue, the project promises to elevate Redcliffe’s profile as a destination. 

Kippa-Ring

Photo credit: dolphinsnrl.com.au

In nearby Kippa-Ring, the Dolphins have announced plans for a master planned community. They aim to leverage the club’s expertise in food and beverage, rugby league, and tourism attractions. 

A hotel would complement a major redevelopment of the site, including an expanded stadium and a modern conference centre located at the corner of Klingner and Ashmole Roads.

Irene St

Moreton Bay
Photo credit: Google Street View

Redcliffe’s potential doesn’t end there. According to the Tourism Opportunity Plan, there’s an immediate need for a 225-room hotel, with demand expected to grow to support a 250-room internationally-branded conference and convention hotel by 2031. A likely location for this development could be Irene Street, home to the current Council administration centre.

Other Opportunities in Moreton Bay

Beyond these key projects, several other areas in Moreton Bay are exploring opportunities for hotel development:

  • Mango Hill: A five-storey, 112-room eco-lifestyle hotel has received approval.
  • North Lakes: Plans are progressing for a 4-5-star hotel with event and conference facilities.
  • Eatons Hill: A proposed 180-room hotel near the South Pine Sports Complex is under consideration.
  • The Mill at Petrie: Two 200-room hotels are projected to meet demand by 2029.
  • Caboolture: A 100-room hotel is planned as part of a redevelopment near Lower King Street.
  • Hinterland and Bribie Island: Boutique properties with 20-40 suites are being discussed.
  • Dakabin and Strathpine: New hotels are in development by the Comiskey Group.

Read: The Dolphins Roundup: Phins Lock in Donoghoe, Lemuelu While Gearing Up for Fan-Friendly 2025


Looking Ahead

As Moreton Bay prepares for a surge in tourism, these hotel developments are set to transform the region into a premier destination for both leisure and business visitors. Bluewater Square, Redcliffe, and Kippa-Ring are poised to take centre stage, showcasing the vibrant evolution of this thriving area.

Published 16-January-2025

Redcliffe Among Finalists for QTIC Top Tourism Town Awards

The finalists for the Queensland’s Top Tourism Town awards have finally been announced, with 37 towns in the running, Redcliffe included.



The awards, hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) were created to recognise and celebrate the towns across the state that offer their visitors amazing experiences. QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind says that the awards showcase Queensland’s diversity.

“With the current focus on domestic tourism, now is the time to draw attention to our regional destinations and to put the spotlight on our tourism operators and communities who keep our regions thriving,” says Mr Gschwind. 

Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

From 11 to 26 April 2021, Queensland residents will be able to vote for their favourite tourism towns and enter the running for a chance to win a $2,000 Apollo Motorhome travel package — an incentive to travel across the state and experience some of Queensland’s prime tourist destinations for themselves. 

The winning town with a population over 5,000 will receive a $25,000 Strategic Consulting and Capacity Building package from EarthCheck. Redcliffe, among 14 other large towns, have made it into the runnings. 
Those interested in participating in the awards can cast their vote through this website. Follow the QTIC’s Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning the competition.