KPAT Hotels has appointed acclaimed chef Hamish Pink as Head Chef at the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, reinforcing the group’s commitment to creating destination dining experiences as part of the landmark development.
Pink joins the opening team with nearly two decades of culinary experience, having worked across a number of high-profile destinations, including Elements of Byron, Hayman Island, Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree and Richard Branson’s Mosquito Island in the British Virgin Islands.
He will oversee the culinary direction of the hotel’s ground-floor venues, designed as social spaces for locals and visitors to gather throughout the day, and the events and conference spaces.
Developed, owned and operated by KPAT Hotels under a franchise agreement with Minor Hotels, the 180-room Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel represents a major new investment in the Sunshine Coast tourism sector.
Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT Hotels, said Pink’s appointment reflects the company’s vision to position the hotel as both a premium accommodation offering and a culinary destination.
“Food and beverage will play a central role in the experience we’re creating at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel,” Wagner said.
“Hamish brings strong culinary leadership and a deep respect for local produce. His approach aligns with our vision to showcase the Sunshine Coast’s incredible network of growers, fishers and artisan producers.”
Originally from South Australia, Pink developed his passion for cooking at an early age and has since built a career across leading restaurants and resorts in Australia.
At Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, he will focus on menus that celebrate seasonal produce, local seafood and bold Australian flavours.
Pink said the opportunity to help shape the culinary identity of a new hotel development on the Sunshine Coast was particularly appealing.
“The Sunshine Coast has an incredible network of farmers, fishers and artisan producers. I’m excited to work closely with those suppliers and bring their ingredients to life across the menu,” Pink said.
The Lobby Bar will offer relaxed social dining with shareable plates, bar snacks and quick bites designed to suit locals, travellers and beachgoers.
Later in the year, Pink will also lead the culinary offering at First Avenue Cellar & Bar, a wine-focused venue combining a retail cellar, casual dining and tasting experiences with a European style menu.
On level three, Pink will shape the menus across conferences, events and weddings, with a focus on modern coastal dining that feels generous, intuitive and considered.
Scheduled to open on 11 May 2026, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel will become the first full-service internationally branded hotel to open on the Sunshine Coast in more than four decades, marking a significant milestone for the region’s tourism industry.
