Infrastructure developments: 2026 and beyond

Following a full transformation of the former Crowne Plaza, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach is Sydney’s first luxury hotel positioned directly opposite Sydney’s Coogee Beach. Its standout features include an ocean-facing infinity pool, new spa and wellness centre, and an elevated Club InterContinental overlooking Coogee Beach. A major highlight inside the hotel is Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, a 224-seat signature restaurant featuring a bar and courtyard terrace. Six versatile meeting and event spaces will also feature, including the Oceanic Ballroom which can host up to 350 guests. Opening in two phases, 198 guestrooms and suites and Shutters Restaurant & Bar opened in December 2025, while the leisure deck, complete with ocean-facing infinity pool, poolside bar and alfresco event terrace, is set to follow in March 2026.

Located on the Geelong waterfront, just an hour from Melbourne, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will be a major new destination for business and community events. The sustainably designed precinct will feature 3,700 sqm of flexible space, including a 1,000-seat theatre, 2,000 sqm exhibition hall and a collection of meeting rooms overlooking the Geelong waterfront. Surrounded by a lively plaza of eateries and connected to a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel, it will offer a seamless delegate experience. Designed for everything from international conferences to local gatherings, Nyaal Banyul is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating and will operate as a fossil-fuel-free site, self-generating 38 per cent of its energy, with extensive waste-diversion systems in place. There is also a new 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong hotel attached to the convention centre (opening January 2026). 

Hilton Palm Cove Resort & Spa will mark the brand’s debut in the beachfront village of Queensland’s tropical Palm Cove, just 25 minutes from Cairns and 40 minutes south of Port Douglas. Offering a blend of coastal relaxation and contemporary comfort, the 140-room resort will feature an outdoor pool, two dining outlets including an all-day restaurant, and two bars, including a pool bar, along with 450 sqm of flexible meeting and event space. Sustainability will be a core focus, with early plans featuring energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials and initiatives supporting the protection of nearby natural treasures, from the Great Barrier Reef to the surrounding rainforest. 

Sydney / Warrane is set to welcome Australia’s first Waldorf Astoria, a 25-storey luxury hotel offering 220 rooms, including 41 suites, in a premium Circular Quay location. Guests will be treated to unrivalled views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from thoughtfully designed rooms and public spaces. The hotel will also feature two signature restaurants, a rooftop bar with panoramic vistas, a world-class spa, indoor swimming pool, and versatile ballroom and function spaces. Richly infused with First Nations art and design, Waldorf Astoria Sydney promises a blend of contemporary luxury, cultural storytelling, and spectacular waterfront experiences, setting a new benchmark for high-end hospitality in the heart of the city.

Inspired by the tropical beauty of its surrounds, Hook Island’s new eco-lodge will bring a fresh sense of adventure and immersion to the Whitsundays. Nestled within the Great Barrier Reef, the 9.3-hectare (23 acre) island will become home to 39 biophilic cabins nestled across forest and beachfront landscapes, along with an arrival pavilion and two distinct dining experiences inspired by the region’s natural bounty. Guests can unwind in forest eco pools and wellness spaces or explore the island through a range of nature-led activities. Blending luxury with conservation, Hook Island’s revival promises an unforgettable experience where guests can reconnect with nature in an unparalleled setting.

Abercrombie & Kent will open a remarkable new eco-lodge in Western Australia’s Purnululu National Park, placing guests at the doorstep of the Bungle Bungle Range’s famed beehive-striped domes. Developed in partnership with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation, the project has been designed with deep cultural and environmental sensitivity, honouring the Traditional Owners and supporting meaningful economic opportunities. Blending comfort with a profound sense of place, the lodge will provide guests with an immersive connection to one of Earth's last true wilderness frontiers, the majestic Kimberley region. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination is where 350-million-year-old formations rise from the plains, ancient rock art hides within secluded caves and star-filled night skies stretch endlessly overhead.

Set to open within the striking new 37-storey Keystone Tower – soon to be Adelaide’s tallest building – The Westin Adelaide will bring a new level of contemporary luxury to the city. The hotel will offer 222 premium rooms and 14 suites, all designed to reflect Westin’s signature emphasis on restorative travel. A sky lobby will welcome guests to a collection of amenities including a restaurant, lobby lounge, café, fitness centre, swimming pool and day spa. With 700 sqm of event and meeting space and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge, the hotel is poised to become a standout destination for guests seeking elevated comfort in the heart of Adelaide / Tarntanya. 

InterContinental is set to bring its signature luxury accommodation and hospitality to South Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley wine region with the upcoming InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa. The 150-room property will offer spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and cellar doors, with select rooms featuring private balconies. Guests will be invited to indulge in a range of dining experiences, including a 130-seat signature restaurant highlighting Australia’s finest flavours with a contemporary twist, as well as a lounge bar, outdoor garden terrace, and the exclusive Club InterContinental. Designed to blend luxury with the region’s natural beauty, the resort aims to become a distinctive destination for immersing visitors in the laidback Barossa lifestyle.