Bli Bli Hotel

Overview

Move over Sunshine Castle, aka Bli Bli Castle: while the family-favourite tourist spot was likely your number-one place to visit in the Sunshine Coast town when you were a kid, the Bli Bli Hotel is here to take that mantle among adults. Opening its doors in late October 2023, the three-level pub not only gives the area a fresh venue to sip drinks, but also features a rooftop terrace with a retractable ceiling.

Patrons can get both an indoor and outdoor experience on Bli Bli Hotel's highest level, then, given that the roof can be open or closed. The terrace takes its cues from the Mediterranean, as does the bistro it's attached to. The two spaces also feature decor that gleans inspiration from the Australian bush and North America's Sonoran Desert — so, thanks to designer Diana Challinor, think: an utter lack of stainless steel and chrome, with natural textures, terracotta and sage blue hues, hand-blown glass chandeliers and Aussie bush wallpaper instead — plus a central pink blossom tree that reaches four metres in height.

The overall look screams cruisy, relaxed Sunshine Coast vibes, which is Maeva Hospitality's aim. Previously known as Sunshine Coast Hotels, Maeva Hospitality is launching its new name with Bli Bli Hotel, while adding the venue to a slate that covers Parklands Tavern, Brightwater Hotel, Baringa Tavern and The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast. Also behind the spot: the Deery family, which owns both the Story Bridge Hotel and the Woodford Hotel.

While the terrace is a clear drawcard, the hotel also features a sports bar, plus a gaming lounge and bar downstairs. The sports bar has its own food menu filled with pub grub-style options, including burgers, rib-eye toasties, nachos, chicken schnitzels and parmigianas, plus sweet potato fries — for starters.

Highlighting Australian flavours and local ingredients, and cooking up dishes on a live-fire grill, the bistro and terrace boasts picks such as wood-roasted prawns, smoked ricotta, four kinds of steak, pizzas, smoked lamb shoulder and wok-fried chow fun egg noodles, plus wood-grilled stone fruit for dessert.

And for drinks, take a pick from a wine selection that spans ten-plus varieties, many with multiple tipples, as well as a cocktail list with espresso martinis, old fashioneds, margaritas, mojitos and non-boozy sips.

Images: Lumea.