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

Elysium hotel is a stylish coastal retreat that’s won over locals and tourists alike to become a Noosa establishment, finds Daisy Lester

May 6, 2026 - 23:15

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

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

Location

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.

The vibe

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.

Cibaria and Bar Capri serve Mediterranean-inspired food and cocktails

Cibaria and Bar Capri serve Mediterranean-inspired food and cocktails (Elysium)

Service

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.

Bed and bath

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.

From the striped outdoor chairs to the patterned headboards and floor lamps with scallop-trim shades, there is the same attention to detail in the design of every room type. The king-size beds offer medium-to-firm comfort, and there’s even a pillow menu to choose from.

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.

The 175 bedrooms span suites, interconnecting rooms and more

The 175 bedrooms span suites, interconnecting rooms and more (Elysium)

Food and drink

Elysium Noosa’s flagship restaurant, Cibaria – which began with a branch in Manly, Sydney – has an excellent Italian offering from New South Wales chef Alessandro Pavoni. Designed for sharing, the menu features wood-fired breads, raw and deli small plates, cured meats and indulgent grilled plates.

A chef’s tasting menu helps whittle down the varied dishes, which use local ingredients and freshly-caught seafood. It includes pizzetta served with a veal and caper dip, scallops and shucked oysters, as well as Mediterranean pastas with an inventive twist – try the signature tuna crudo spaghetti, stracciatella gnocchi or Moreton Bay bug vodka penne. For dessert, the tiramisu and Basque cheesecake are standouts. The setting is relaxed and Instagrammable: the curation threads through both the food and presentation (you’ll want to take the painted plates home with you).

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 Rivera bar offers panoramic river views with a similarly Mediterranean-inspired light bites and cocktail menu. An a la carte menu accompanies a pretty standard hotel breakfast buffet of eggs and avocado, granola, fresh fruit, juices, salmon and artisan pastries. Dietaries aren’t clearly labelled on the menus, which is remiss – and while there are great vegetarian and pescatarian options, vegan dishes are lacking. Gluten-free diets can be accommodated upon request.

The dining options at Cibaria encourage sharing

The dining options at Cibaria encourage sharing (Elysium)

Facilities

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.

Family friendly?

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.

Elysium’s lagoon-style pool is the star of the show

Elysium’s lagoon-style pool is the star of the show (Elysium)

Accessibility

Elysium offers a number of accessible rooms with open-plan layouts, a kitchenette with under-bench clearance, a walk-in shower with handrails, and a toilet with handrails, as well as a lowered peephole and light switches. The shared spaces are similarly accessible, with open configurations, step-free access, lifts and ramps. The pool area has step-free access.