This luxury hotel in Queensland looks out across one of the world’s only everglades

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Elysium hotel is a stylish coastal retreat that’s won over locals and tourists alike to become a Noosa establishment, finds Daisy Lester
Moments from the beach on Noosa’s buzzy Hastings Street, this 175-room hotel combines Mediterranean-style dining with impressive wellness facilities, design-led interiors and a lagoon-style pool
In Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Elysium looks out onto one of only two everglade systems in the world.

From the hotel’s front-facing vantage point over the Noosa River, there are views across the wetlands and Cooroy Mountain.

The hotel backs onto Hastings Street, with its bustling shops, restaurants and cafes.

A hotspot that’s popular with both Australian and international tourists, Noosa boasts pristine white sand beaches with calm waters, that are perfect for surfing and swimming.

The hotel is five minutes on foot from the patrolled Noosa Main Beach, while the Noosa National Park and its myriad walking trails – where it’s possible to spot dolphins and koalas – are a short walk away.

The buzzy nightlife of Noosa Heads is reachable by taxi within five minutes.

The Noosa ferry terminal sits right outside the hotel: get a day pass and explore the marina, stopping off at the scenic waterfront in Noosaville on the way.

A trip to K’gari Island – the world’s longest sand island – is a must.

There are various tour operators offering two to three night camping excursions, but if you’re short on time, Fraser Island Adventure Tours is the best option for a day trip.

You can reach the hotel by car from Sunshine Coast Airport in 30 minutes, or its a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane.

The nearest train stations are in the towns of Cooroy or Nambour, while the Greyhound bus – departing from the Noosa bus terminal – connects the area with the Sunshine and Gold Coast, from Brisbane to Byron Bay.

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The hotel reopened as Elysium in 2025 as part of the MGallery Collection, following the major renovation of a 1980s-era property.

The exterior still looks a little dated, but the interiors have a coastal, boutique feel with European and Art Deco influences.

The hotel exudes laidback luxury, centred around a large outdoor pool.

Flanked by sun loungers and stylish striped umbrellas, there’s a cabana that can be privately booked, and a sunken, swim-up bar serves frozen cocktails.

The bright and airy lobby features hanging light fixtures, rattan furniture and has terracotta accents.

Both Cibaria, the hotel’s chic restaurant, and Bar Capri transport you to the Mediterranean – think mosaic floors, sunset-hued tiling and curved sofas for wine-fuelled group dinners.

Both are already among the buzziest spots on Hastings Street, drawing in locals and tourists alike.

Service is warm and attentive yet relaxed at Elysium, from the knowledgeable sommeliers and restaurant servers to the helpful reception staff.

Thoughtful touches include SPF50 bottles left around the pool for communal use.

There are 176 rooms at Elysium, spanning categories including Riverside, Village Side, Panoramic River View and Poolside Suites.

A two-floor, Poolside One Bedroom Villa is the most secluded option.

There are 30 suites – some with a private plunge pool – making the hotel popular with those celebrating a special occasion.

The entry-level (Superior) rooms are flooded with light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, with small living areas (including a sofa, table and chairs) and a balcony.

There are Nespresso coffee machines, and the mini bar stocks Aussie snacks including local chocolates and tinned crisps.

Bathrooms don’t have any natural lighting, but are clean and spacious with stylish tiling, Grown Alchemist toiletries, a rainfall shower and bath tub.

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The sommelier is on hand with Mediterranean wine pairings, but there are also Aussie bottles on the list, alongside Italian aperitivo cocktails (my favourites were the Capri Spritz and Lampudusa).

The curved pool is the beating heart of Elysium, complete with spaced out sun loungers for privacy, a sunken bar, cabana area and jacuzzi.

The gym is well-equipped with various machines and a weights section, but feels more like a leisure centre gym than a luxury hotel space.

The hotel’s spa has a sauna, steam room and aqua therapy pool, which is maintained at a warm 37C to boost circulation, and features built-in loungers.

Treatments include bespoke massages, facials and body therapies.

The space is gorgeous, with turquoise tiling, a mosaicked stone wall and wooden loungers around the pool.

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With two-bedroom suites and interconnecting rooms available, Elysium Noosa is ideal for a family holiday.

The pool and dining options are kid-friendly, while the prime location means there are plenty of options for outings: you’re moments from the beach, nature walks and Hastings Street.

Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is noon.

Best thing: The hotel’s prime Noosa location.

Perfect for: Families and couples on a beach holiday.

Not right for: Solo travellers.

Instagram from: The Rivera bar at sunset.

Address: 14-16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, Queensland
Daisy was a guest of Elysium Noosa.

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