Exclusive look inside $32m Sunshine Coast pub, the Bli Bli Hotel

A stunning rooftop bar is tipped to be a major drawcard when the Bli Bli Hotel opens later this year as the operator reveals what will make this $32m pub standout.

Ahead of its opening in about 10 weeks the Sunshine Coast operator behind the $32m Bli Bli Hotel has revealed what to expect including the venue’s unique layout and what is on the menu.

Sunshine Coast Hotels managing director Scott Armstrong said the Bli Bli Hotel, on the corner of David Low Way and Bli Bli Rd, was a first for the region in that gaming was on one floor, with dining, a function room, the kids’ room, access to a rooftop bar and more on another level.

“The dedicated floor for gaming means that people who want to play have a very comfortable area and a lounge and bar they can play in, but those who don’t want to be involved in gaming have 1600 square metres upstairs, which is a really cool feature to have,” he said.

There was room for up to 45 pokies but the hotel would open with 35 machines, he said.

An artist's concept of a function room in the Bli Bli Hotel.

The managing director said he was excited to see the interior start to take shape.

“It’s just been such a long time coming that we’ll be excited to finally open it and there’s a lot of interest from the local community,” Mr Armstrong said.

The interior of the Bli Bli Hotel, expected to open in November, nods to the Australian bush and has a colour scheme of terracotta, lime wash, sage blues and pinks.

“We’re just looking forward to getting it open pre-Christmas.”

The five-storey building is terraced into a hill, with pedestrian entrances at all levels of the hotel that stretches over three stories.

Two other levels are for carparking, a bottle shop and office space.

Mr Armstrong said the hotel would offer about 75 staff positions.

Sunshine Coast Hotels managing director Scott Armstrong has revealed more details of the opening of the Bli Bli Hotel. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He said the rooftop bar “was a point of difference” in the hotel.

“It’s a seven-metre opening roof where you’ll be able to dine, have drinks and it’s got it’s own bar so we’re pretty excited about that,” Mr Armstrong said.

Group executive chef Damien Grimes said he would source ingredients from suppliers in the region and focus on “lighter, vegetable forward options”. He said the kitchen’s “centrepiece” was a live-fire grill.

The Bli Bli Hotel was scheduled to open in mid-2022 but is now expected to open in November.

The new venue is the latest initiative for the partnership of Scott Armstrong, Richard Deery and their families.

They jointly own Baringa Tavern and the Armstrongs own and operate Parklands Tavern, Brightwater Hotel and The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast.

Mr Deery and his family own the Story Bridge Hotel and the Woodford Hotel.

Diana Challinor has designed the Bli Bli Hotel with a colour scheme of terracotta, lime wash, sage blues, pinks and peaches.

Glazed tiles, hand-blown glass chandeliers and hand-printed Australian bush wallpaper will also feature.

The hotel was originally scheduled to open in mid-2022 with the team now aiming to open in November.

Originally published as Exclusive look inside $32m Sunshine Coast pub, the Bli Bli Hotel