Sunshine Plaza has signed its first hotel partnership, joining forces with Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast on a new campaign that gives visitors a simple way to fold shopping, waterfront dining and family entertainment into a Sunshine Coast holiday; all a short walk from the hotel in Maroochydore.
For a region known for its beaches, hinterland drives and slow mornings by the waterways, the partnership offers visitors another layer to their holiday; somewhere to dine beside the water, a family activity between beach days, an easy option when the weather turns, and a convenient place to spend an afternoon or evening close to the hotel.
The two properties sit approximately 400 metres apart, giving guests the option to move between accommodation and the shopping and lifestyle precinct without needing to move the car.
Beyond the launch campaign, the partnership will roll out an ongoing program of guest benefits and shared experiences, in-room concierge recommendations, visitor offers at Sunshine Plaza retailers & dining venues, and reciprocal promotions across the year.
To mark the launch, Sunshine Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast are giving away a Sunshine Coast staycation for a family of four, valued at more than $2,000. The prize package includes:
- A $1,000 Sunshine Plaza Gift Card
- A Next Level High Ropes Unlimited Climb Family Pass, valued at $221
- Two nights at Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast in a Suite Room that accommodates two adults and two children
- Buffet breakfast at Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast’s Nineteen Restaurant
- Hotel parking at Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast
- A $150 food and beverage credit at Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Plaza Marketing Manager, Bianca Price, said the partnership reflects the centre’s ambition to play a stronger supporting role in the Sunshine Coast holiday market.
“The Sunshine Coast will always be defined by its stunning beaches, hinterland and waterways – and Sunshine Plaza is here to give visitors everything beyond the beach. Whether it’s relaxed waterside dining, family entertainment, a day of shopping, or a welcome escape when the weather turns, we offer something for everyone.”
“With Sunshine Coast visitors, and families in particular, looking for more choice and flexibility on their trips, Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast was a natural partner for Sunshine Plaza. Their guests come to the region for exactly the kinds of experiences we’re proud to offer during their stay.
Tourism is a defining part of the Sunshine Coast economy. Domestic and international visitors spent $4.7 billion in the region in the year ended December 2025, with 4.3 million overnight visitors making the trip (Tourism and Events Queensland, Regional Snapshot, December 2025).
Tourism also supports more than 29,000 local jobs (Visit Sunshine Coast, 2026-27); a scale that reflects both the region’s pull and the value of local operators collaborating on what visitors can access during their stay.
Sunshine Plaza has more than 300 retailers under one roof with a waterfront dining strip along Cornmeal Creek, Next Level High Ropes Adventure Park, BCC Cinemas, Timezone, escape rooms and paddle boats; a mix built for families, couple getaways and group holidays.
Holiday Inn & Suites Sunshine Coast offers contemporary rooms and suites in a central Sunshine Coast location, with family-friendly stays where kids stay free (and eat free at the hotel’s Nineteen Restaurant), a rooftop pool on Level 8 with sweeping coastal views, an onsite fitness centre and 24-hour reception. Cotton Tree Beach, Alexandra Headland and the Maroochy River are all within easy reach.
