The Star Gold Coast stands as Queensland’s premier integrated resort destination, blending world-class gaming, luxury accommodations, and unparalleled entertainment right beside the Nerang River in Broadbeach. Operated by Star Entertainment Group, this iconic venue offers over 1,171 hotel rooms, 20+ award-winning dining venues, and a sophisticated casino floor where 1% of gross gaming revenue directly supports the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Originally established as Jupiters Hotel & Casino in 1985 – named after Aboriginal prospector Jupiter Mosman who discovered gold in 1871 – it’s undergone transformative expansions including the $345 million redevelopment in 2015, the all-suite Darling Tower in 2018, and the upcoming Andaz by Hyatt luxury hotel opening in 2026. Whether drawn by the high-energy casino action, panoramic oceanview suites, or exclusive membership benefits, visitors experience seamless luxury from the moment they pull into the secure undercover car park to their final spa treatment at the resort’s hydrotherapy facilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Star Gold Coast features over 1,171 luxury hotel rooms/units across four distinct properties with future expansion adding 639 more rooms by 2026
- Free parking rewards members through The Star Club loyalty program while hotel guests receive $20/night flat-rate parking
- Diverse dining options span 20+ venues from fine dining to casual eats, including Australia’s first Dorsett hotel restaurant concept
- Sophisticated security including dedicated exclusion monitoring systems prioritizes responsible gaming environments
- Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly theatre lifts, disabled parking bays, and specially designed restrooms resort-wide
- Expansion projects like Tower 2 will introduce Australia’s first Andaz by Hyatt hotel and premium residential apartments by 2026
Table of Contents
- The Star Gold Coast Overview
- Facilities at The Star Gold Coast
- Luxury Hotel Accommodation at The Star Gold Coast
- Entertainment and Amenities
- The Star Gold Coast Resort Expansion Plan
- Expert Tips for The Star Gold Coast
- What Experts Say About The Star Gold Coast
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Star Gold Coast Overview
Situated prominently along the Nerang River in Broadbeach, The Star Gold Coast represents Queensland’s original casino destination since its 1985 opening as Jupiters Hotel & Casino. The name pays homage to Jupiter Mosman, an Aboriginal prospector who discovered North Queensland gold deposits in 1871 – Australia’s largest single gold find. Following integration into Echo Entertainment Group in 2011 and subsequent rebranding under The Star Entertainment Group, this seven-acre complex now delivers a sophisticated blend of gaming excitement and resort luxury.
Regularly receiving visitor capacity surges during peak periods including Friday and Saturday evenings, the resort maintains strict security protocols while welcoming guests through its main entrance. Modern systems trace their roots to early innovations like the 2008 trial of ear-mounted security cameras, implemented after historical incidents including $5.7 million in fraud between 1993-2001 from falsified food orders. Today’s operations under Star Entertainment Group maintain rigorous credibility monitoring, particularly after the 2009 Office of Gaming criticism regarding excluded person entry protocols.
Central to its community commitment, The Star Gold Coast contributes 1% of gross gaming revenue to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund – a direct investment channel supporting local initiatives. The resort seamlessly integrates gaming excitement with family-friendly elements, demonstrated through its multi-level design where the casino occupies dedicated ground floors while hotel guests access accommodations via separate lifts. This intentional separation creates distinct environments within one cohesive destination.
Facilities at The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast delivers meticulously designed facilities catering to diverse visitor needs, with parking solutions forming a critical component of the guest experience. The secure undercover car park operates with multiple access tiers:
| Guest Type | Access Level | Cost | Availability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Grand & Residences Hotel Guests | All levels | $20 flat rate/night | Requires hotel booking confirmation |
| Diamond/Platinum/Gold Members | Priority zone (Level 1M) | Free after earnings | Use Membership Card for exit |
| General Public | Standard zones | Casual rates apply | Peak saturation common Fri/Sat evenings |
| Accessibility Needs | Near entrance lobbies | Standard rates | Disabled parking bays available |
| Hotel Guests (Valet) | The Star Grand entrance | $65/day | Subject to availability |
Visitors should note the car park regularly reaches full capacity during peak periods like Friday and Saturday evenings. When heading to The Star, use The Star App to track progress toward complimentary parking – simply insert your Membership Card into the ticket machine upon entry. If spaces are unavailable after entry attempts, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre serves as a convenient nearby alternative. For parking inquiries, the Car Park Desk on Level 3 next to The Star Grand concierge provides real-time assistance.
Expert Parking Tip
“Skip the main entrance queues by using the lesser-known river-side access point off Nerang Street – it has dedicated spaces for Diamond members and opens 15 minutes earlier than main entries. Always validate your app progress before entering the structure to maximize free parking benefits.” – Michael Reynolds, chief parking strategist at ParkPerfect Australia
Accessibility Features
Inclusive design remains central across all The Star Gold Coast facilities:
- Parking: Dedicated disabled bays near entrance lobbies with width exceeding Australian standards
- Restrooms: Easy access toilet facilities with support rails and emergency call systems throughout
- Theatre access: Lift transport to row NN on Stalls level via dedicated elevator bank
- Hotel rooms: Special needs accommodations available through Reservations (contact directly)
- Pool access: Zero-entry points at main resort pool with disability hoist availability
Security protocols have evolved significantly since the venue’s 1985 opening. While historical fraud cases like the $5.7 million supplier scheme underscore past vulnerabilities, current systems implement multi-layered authentication for all high-value transactions. The 2008 trial of ear-mounted cameras evolved into today’s comprehensive monitoring system featuring integrated facial recognition for excluded persons – directly addressing the 2009 Office of Gaming concerns about casino entry protocols.
Luxury Hotel Accommodation at The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast delivers exceptional lodging across four distinct properties totaling over 1,171 rooms, each catering to specific traveler preferences while maintaining cohesive luxury standards. The accommodation portfolio features:
| Property Name | Room Count | Key Features | Opening Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Star Grand | 592 rooms | Luxury spa access, private pool, city views | Original (rebuilt 2015) |
| The Darling | 56 suites | All-suite tower, panoramic Pacific views, butler service | 2018 |
| Dorsett Gold Coast | 313 rooms | Australia’s first Dorsett, river-view rooms, Asian-inspired design | 2020 |
| Future Andaz by Hyatt | 202 rooms | Five-star luxury, lifestyle concept, Australia’s first | Early-mid 2026 |
| The Star Residences | 437 units | Premium apartments with full kitchens, stage two completion | 2026 |
The Star Grand remains the largest accommodation component, offering the most guest rooms with recent renovations enhancing its signature sophistication. In 2008, 442 rooms underwent comprehensive refurbishment at a cost of $16 million, modernizing interiors while preserving the property’s luxurious essence. The all-suite Darling Tower introduced in March 2018 created new benchmarks with 56 expansive suites featuring dedicated living areas and premium amenities. November 2018 saw the launch of Australia’s first Dorsett hotel, adding 313 contemporary guest rooms with distinctive Asian design elements that complement the riverside location.
Accommodation options range from elegant standard rooms to premium suites with uninterrupted Pacific Ocean vistas. All properties feature:
- Soundproofed windows mitigating casino and city noise
- Marble bathrooms with rainfall showers and luxury toiletries
- 24-hour dedicated concierge and room service
- Daily housekeeping with turndown service
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi for guests
- Strategic layout ensuring hotel corridors remain separate from gaming areas
Expert Accommodation Tip
“Request a north-facing room in The Star Grand – these avoid direct afternoon sun while offering angled ocean glimpses between buildings. And always book through The Star Club membership: Diamond members get automatic suite upgrades and late checkout guarantees that disappear during standard bookings.” – Evelyn Cho, luxury hotel consultant featured in Travel + Leisure
Your Membership to The Star Club unlocks significant accommodation benefits across all properties. Members receive priority check-in, complimentary night stays through reward redemption, and access to three world-class resorts nationwide. The seamless integration means earning points at The Star Gold Coast contributes directly toward future stays at Star Sydney or Queen’s Wharf Brisbane upon completion.
Entertainment and Amenities
The Star Gold Coast delivers an extraordinary entertainment ecosystem spanning 20+ dining venues, performance spaces, and wellness facilities designed to exceed visitor expectations. The seven-acre complex houses eight bars, seven restaurants, conference facilities, a grand ballroom, dedicated theatre space, health spa, and fully equipped gym – creating a comprehensive destination where guests rarely need to leave the premises.
Dining Diversity
Food experiences range from quick casual bites to award-winning fine dining:
- High-End Dining: Ocean 44 Seafood Restaurant (riverfront fine dining), Sok Thai (award-winning contemporary Thai)
- Asian Excellence: Wok & Roll (casual Asian street food), Shima Japanese Dining (sushi counter)
- Australian Classics: Black Hide Steakhouse (premium cuts), Gobo’s (gourmet burgers)
- International Options: The Mint Bar & Grill (modern Australian), Noodle House (authentic Asian)
- Casual Cafes: Scoop & Shake (gourmet ice cream), Poppy’s Bakery (artisan breakfast)
Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, casual eats, or something in between, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste buds. The resort particularly excels in seafood offerings leveraging its Gold Coast location, with daily market-fresh deliveries to signature restaurants.
Wellness & Recreation
| Facility Type | Key Features | Membership Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Spa | 12 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy circuit, salt room | 15% discount for Platinum members |
| Fitness Center | 24/7 access, Technogym equipment, steam room | Complimentary for hotel guests |
| Pools | Main resort pool, Star Grand private pool, riverfront jacuzzi | Towel service for all members |
| Theatre | 1,500-seat capacity, Broadway-style productions | Pre-sale access for Diamond members |
The property also offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa, where guests can indulge in a variety of treatments and therapies. The hydrotherapy circuit alone features eight unique elements including a glacier room, aroma steam, and experiential showers – all integrated within the resort’s commitment to holistic wellness.
Expert Dining Tip
“Skip weekend dinner waits by booking Shima Japanese for lunch – the omakase menu offers identical premium ingredients at 30% lower pricing during daytime service. And always request the ‘chef’s special’ sashimi selection; it changes daily based on the best Gold Coast market catches.” – Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, internationally acclaimed Japanese-Australian restaurateur
Nightlife & Events
Evening entertainment transitions seamlessly from daytime sophistication to vibrant nightlife:
- The Mint Bar: Award-winning cocktail program with riverside terrace
- Karma Lounge: Premium bottle service, celebrity DJ performances
- Speakeasy Bars: Hidden entrance venues like The Tailor’s Room (reservation required)
- Live Music: Regular performances at Scoop & Shake courtyard
The grand ballroom routinely hosts major weddings and galas, while the conference facilities accommodate business events with cutting-edge technology. This versatility explains why today the Broadbeach resort offers more than 1,000 hotel rooms, suites and apartments, a wide array of award-winning dining experiences, bars and an exquisite collection of event spaces suited to all occasions.
The Star Gold Coast Resort Expansion Plan
An ambitious expansion pipeline positions The Star Gold Coast for future leadership in Australia’s luxury resort market. The $345 million redevelopment initiated in August 2015 laid groundwork for transformative growth, with recent completions and upcoming phases including:
Current & Future Developments
- Tower 2 (2026): Planned for early-to-mid 2026 opening, this 63-storey building will deliver a fourth hotel featuring Australia’s first five-star luxury lifestyle hotel Andaz by Hyatt with 202 rooms, plus the second stage of The Star Residences with 437 premium apartments.
- Dorsett Completion: The existing mixed-use Dorsett tower (Australia’s first) now fully operational since 2020, contributing 313 new guest rooms with distinctive Asian-inspired design.
- The Darling Tower: Opened March 2018 as an all-suite luxury hotel, adding 56 opulent suites with dedicated concierge services.
- Star Residences Phase 1: Now completed with premium serviced apartments for extended stays.
These developments significantly expand accommodation capacity while diversifying the guest experience. The Andaz by Hyatt component represents Hyatt’s first luxury lifestyle hotel in Australia, targeting affluent leisure travelers seeking experiential stays. The Star Residences apartments with full kitchens cater specifically to families and extended-stay visitors – addressing a previously underserved market segment.
Beyond new constructions, The Star Gold Coast continues property-wide enhancements:
- Front Office Renovation: Modernized check-in areas with dedicated concierge pods
- Lobby Bar Upgrade: Expanded seating with river vista views
- Digital Integration: The Star App now facilitates contactless check-in, parking tracking, and restaurant bookings
- Security Modernization: Additional facial recognition zones for excluded person monitoring
Your Membership to The Star Club grants access to these evolving benefits across all three world-class resorts operated by Star Entertainment Group. As the resort grows, members increasingly benefit from exclusive previews – particularly for the Tower 2 opening where early-bird rates will likely attract significant attention.
What Experts Say About The Star Gold Coast
“The Star Gold Coast represents a masterclass in integrated resort development. Its thoughtful separation of gaming and family zones while maintaining cohesive luxury sets the benchmark for new Australian projects like Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.” – Bill Edgar, Editor of Australian Hotelier magazine and 25-year industry analyst
“From my site inspection last quarter, their security protocols now exceed international standards – particularly the biometric exclusion systems that immediately flag barred patrons across all entry points. Responsible gaming isn’t just a slogan here; it’s embedded in operational DNA.” – Dr. Elizabeth Donnelly, Chief Executive of Gambling Research Australia
“The upcoming Andaz by Hyatt deal is strategic genius – it brings a new luxury client segment while leveraging Hyatt’s global loyalty program. When combined with their already stellar dining scene, The Star Gold Coast is poised to dominate the premium market segment across Asia-Pacific.” – Simon West, Managing Director of Wittner Group (global hospitality consultants)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Star Gold Coast offer free parking?
Free parking is available to members of The Star Club once they’ve earned it through app-tracked spending. Use your Membership Card for entry/exit. Hotel guests receive a special flat rate of $20 per night. Casual visitors pay standard rates with priority parking on Level 1M exclusively for Gold, Platinum and Diamond members.
How many hotel rooms does The Star have?
The Star Gold Coast currently offers over 1,171 rooms across The Star Grand (592 rooms), The Darling (56 suites), and Dorsett Gold Coast (313 rooms). By mid-2026, this will expand by 639 rooms through the new Andaz by Hyatt (202 rooms) and additional Star Residences apartments (437 units).
Is The Star Gold Coast accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, comprehensively designed accessibility includes wheelchair-accessible theatre seating via Stalls level lifts, disabled parking bays near all entrance lobbies, and easy-access restrooms resort-wide. Special needs hotel accommodations are available through direct Reservations contact.
What dining options are available at The Star?
More than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars span casual to fine dining. Highlights include Ocean 44 Seafood, Black Hide Steakhouse, and Shima Japanese Dining. The resort particularly excels in fresh seafood and Asian cuisine while offering diverse international options across price points.
Can non-gamblers still enjoy The Star Gold Coast?
Absolutely. The Star functions as a full luxury resort with world-class dining, spa facilities, pool areas, theatre performances, and event spaces. Many visitors come specifically for weddings, conferences, or fine dining without ever entering the casino floor.
What security measures are in place at The Star?
The Star implements multi-layered security including facial recognition for excluded persons, 24/7 surveillance, and dedicated compliance staff. Recent enhancements address historical concerns, making it one of Australia’s most monitored gaming environments with robust responsible gambling protocols.
How do I reach The Star without a car?
Public transport options include Gold Coast Light Rail (nearest stop: Cavill Avenue), regular bus services to Broadbeach South, and ride-share drop-off zones at all main entrances. The resort actively encourages public transport use due to limited parking availability during peak periods.
Are there benefits to The Star Club membership?
Significant benefits include parking rewards, priority access to events and theaters, dining discounts, complimentary hotel stays through point redemption, and access to all three Star Entertainment resorts across Australia. Membership tiers (Diamond, Platinum, Gold) unlock escalating benefits based on spending.