Inspired by 50 years of placemaking expertise and the world’s great Rivieras, yet unmistakably Australian, Makris Group has unveiled the next chapter of its landmark $500 million transformation of Marina Mirage, with the official release of only 38 residences.
Nestled at the heart of the Southport Spit and directly connected to the Broadwater, this development forms a central component of the Queensland Government’s Spit Master Plan. The project integrates residences, hospitality, marina facilities and public realm within a cohesive waterfront precinct ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Con Makris, Executive Chairman, Makris Group said, “The Gold Coast continues to evolve internationally as a leading lifestyle and tourism destination, and Marina Mirage reflects that status.”
“Marina Mirage brings the luxury, elegance and lifestyle of the world’s great Rivieras, realising our vision to create a precinct of global calibre that is uniquely Australian,” Con added.
A new benchmark for luxury coastal living
The development will deliver a globally benchmarked waterfront destination that integrates luxury residences, curated retail and dining, A Luxury Collection hotel by Marriott International, wellness facilities and marina facilities – all deeply connected to the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Southport Spit.
The Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort is Marriott International’s first mainland Luxury Collection property in Australia. The 126-key, first-class new-build resort will anchor the reimagined Marina Mirage waterfront precinct, blending world-class sophistication with a distinctly Gold Coast sensibility.
Jason Makris, Chief Executive Officer of Makris Group, said the project represents the next chapter of Marina Mirage, shaped by experience, collaboration and a clear long-term vision.
“Working with an exceptional team of designers and partners, we’re delivering a precinct where hospitality, living, wellness and public realm come together seamlessly. It’s not just about buildings – it’s about creating an enduring destination that elevates the Gold Coast on the global stage while remaining unmistakably Australian,” Jason said.
“A limited collection of 38 residences – comprising penthouses, villas and private residences – is now available for sale, positioning the offering as a rare intergenerational holding on the Gold Coast.”
Architecturally Designed by Fraser + Partners with interiors by Fiona Lynch Office and landscaping by Aspect Studios, the residences feature expansive terraces, direct access to dining and marina amenities, and integrated hotel-style services, setting a new standard for top-tier coastal living.
The development marks Makris Group’s entry into luxury residential property. The tightly held collection is expected to attract both interstate and international buyers seeking permanent waterfront holdings on the Gold Coast, where comparable marina-connected product remains limited.
Markris Group collaborated with leading Australian design institutions, Fraser & Partners, Fiona Lynch Office and Aspect Studios to realise the next chapter for Marina Mirage.
Architecture: A timeless coastal village
Following an international design competition, leading Australian design practice Fraser & Partners were appointed lead architects.
Callum Fraser, lead architect for the project and Principal at Fraser and Partners said, “Architecturally conceived as a romantic, stone-hewn Byzantine village rising from the Broadwater, the project draws inspiration from ancient seafaring cities and the great Rivieras.”
“Shaped by climate, water and culture, our intent is to create an enduring, human-scaled coastal environment that feels elemental yet contemporary, and intrinsically connected to Country,” Mr Fraser added.
In contrast to the high-rise typology that defines much of the Gold Coast skyline, Marina Mirage adopts a low-rise village format prioritising human scale, permeability and subtropical responsiveness.
Seven buildings are arranged around a central palm garden and 50-metre pool, creating a sheltered internal landscape connected to the Broadwater. Layered terraces, shaded colonnades and rooftop gardens respond to climate and prevailing breezes, while reinterpreted sail-like roof forms reference the site’s architectural history.
Material selection draws from coastal geology and maritime heritage. Limestone, travertine and oak are paired with bronze detailing and oyster-shell references – acknowledging the intertidal ecology of the Broadwater and the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region.
Interiors: Refined, elemental, distinctly Australian
Interiors by Fiona Lynch Office continue the architectural language through a restrained and tactile material palette.
Drawing from Southeast Queensland’s geology and marine landscape – coral stone, oyster shell and mineral-rich hinterland – the residences are composed with clarity and permanence. Limestone, travertine and oak are complemented by Paralavae stone and refined bronze detailing, establishing interiors that feel grounded and enduring.
Proportion and volume are central to the design approach. High ceilings, generous stone planes and expansive glazing maximise natural light and water views, while floorplans prioritise indoor–outdoor continuity with terraces functioning as true extensions of living space.
Bespoke joinery and custom furniture introduce craftsmanship without excess, supporting a residential character distinct from traditional hotel-led product.
Landscaping: Rainforest meets Riviera
Designed by Aspect Studios, the landscape architecture celebrates Southeast Queensland’s coastal ecology, reintroducing native species that restore elements of the site’s historic littoral rainforest.
Lush layers of native palms, glossy-leaved rainforest plants, ferns, orchids and coastal species create a living botanical environment that supports biodiversity while framing sweeping Broadwater views. Architecture and landscape integrate seamlessly, with greenery enveloping balconies and rooftops to create shaded microclimates and tranquil sanctuaries.
Pools, waterways and ocean vistas are visually interconnected, reinforcing Marina Mirage’s identity as a destination shaped by water, climate and landscape.
The Australian Riviera
Marina Mirage signals a recalibration of Australia’s luxury identity. Low-rise, eco-aligned and deeply responsive to place, the village enhances the natural beauty of The Spit while setting a new benchmark for coastal living.
First opened in 1988, Marina Mirage has long been synonymous with waterfront prestige. Under the stewardship of Makris Group, that legacy is being reimagined for a new generation – delivering a refined coastal precinct that enhances public amenity, strengthens connectivity along the Spit and contributes meaningfully to Queensland’s tourism and cultural landscape.
