Australia's Luxury Hotel Boom: What's Opening Through 2028

Announced July 20, 2026, Australia continues to draw luxury hospitality investment, with several high-profile properties slated to open across the country through 2028. These developments span urban centers, wine regions, and coastal escapes, promising to enhance Australia's reputation for world-class hotels, immaculate service, and distinguished interiors, according to Homes To Love.

Just outside Sydney, the Saddles precinct at Mount White is expanding with the Grand Saddles Lodge. This luxury retreat, conceived by John Singleton and designed by Michelle Leslie alongside White + Dickson Architects, will feature 20 private villas, a fine dining Australian restaurant, an Art Deco-inspired piano bar, and a day spa. Homes To Love reports bookings will open in spring.

Sydney's Circular Quay will welcome Australia’s first Waldorf Astoria in early 2027. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, the 28-floor hotel is part of Lendlease’s One Circular Quay development. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the property will house 220 guest rooms, including 41 suites and a presidential suite. Interiors, led by BAR Studio (also behind Capella Sydney and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne), will blend contemporary Australian aesthetics with the brand's global prestige, Homes To Love notes.

In the Yarra Valley, Levantine Hill winery is launching a $20 million boutique hotel in late 2026. Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects (of Hobart’s MONA fame) and joining the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, the property will offer 33 suites with private balconies and vineyard or mountain views. Amenities include a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, gym, and sculpture walk. According to Homes To Love via Commercial Real Estate, construction delays have pushed its opening to September 2026.

The Calile Noosa is set to open in 2028, bringing the Brisbane hotel's acclaimed design ethos to Queensland’s northern coast. The 153-room, carbon-neutral property will feature two pools, multiple dining venues, and a full-service spa. Richards and Spence, the original architects behind The Calile Brisbane, are again designing the Noosa outpost, aiming to integrate its signature tropical aesthetic with the local reserve, Homes To Love reports.

Our take: While the number of new luxury properties is noteworthy, the consistent engagement of high-caliber architectural and interior design firms for these projects signals a commitment to design excellence. This elevates the offerings beyond mere room counts, promising spaces that will become destinations in themselves. The expansion of established Australian brands like The Calile further demonstrates the domestic market's maturity and sophistication.