Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast – now known as The Star Gold Coast – is a landmark integrated resort that blends classic casino energy with a polished, contemporary entertainment experience on Broadbeach Island.
Overview of Jupiters Casino (The Star Gold Coast)
What opened in 1985 as Conrad Jupiters has evolved into a large-scale resort with a modern casino, hotel towers, dining precincts and event spaces, all a short stroll from Kurrawa Beach and the Gold Coast light rail. The property sits between the Nerang River and the Pacific Ocean, giving guests easy access to both the beach and the wider Gold Coast, while remaining a self-contained entertainment hub once you step onto the island.
The complex is governed under the Jupiters Casino Agreement Act and has long been a flagship of Queensland’s gaming industry, with one per cent of gross gaming revenue directed to the state’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund to support local community organisations. Over four decades the resort has transitioned from a gaming-first venue to a broader lifestyle destination where accommodation, dining and entertainment play as big a role as the casino floor itself.
Location and First Impressions
Jupiters Casino occupies a prime position on Broadbeach Island, connected to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and close to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, making it an attractive base for conferences, shopping trips and beach breaks. The resort’s proximity to the G:link light rail and major arterial roads means it is accessible from both Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane, which helps it appeal to interstate visitors and locals planning a weekend staycation.
The main hotel tower rises 21 floors and was once the largest hotel in Australia when it opened, a reminder of the ambition behind the original development. Today, the skyline is defined by multiple towers, including the refurbished Star Grand, the all-suite Darling and an additional hotel and residences tower, which give the island a modern, sleek profile by day and a neon glow by night.
History and Evolution
When Conrad Jupiters Casino opened in November 1985, it represented a major step in Queensland tourism, bringing large-scale gaming and resort-style accommodation to the Gold Coast for the first time. Built at a cost reported around the mid-180 million dollar mark, the complex quickly became synonymous with glitzy stage shows, buffet dining and bus tours full of visitors eager to try their luck on the tables.
Ownership and branding have changed over time, with the casino assets eventually forming part of what is now The Star Entertainment Group. In 2017 the Jupiters brand was retired and the property was officially rebranded as The Star Gold Coast, following an extensive multi-hundred-million-dollar refurbishment that modernised guest rooms, gaming areas and public spaces.
Casino Gaming Experience
The casino floor runs 24 hours a day and caters to a wide spectrum of players, from first-timers trying a few spins to high-rollers seeking private gaming rooms. Guests can expect a full spread of table games that typically includes blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker variations, alongside an extensive selection of electronic gaming machines.
VIP and premium gaming spaces are designed with a more intimate atmosphere, often providing higher table limits, tailored service and access to exclusive lounge-style areas. For casual visitors, the main floor is bright and energetic, with bars, quick-bite outlets and entertainment nearby so the night does not have to revolve solely around gaming.
Hotels and Accommodation
The original Jupiters hotel has been reimagined as The Star Grand, offering several hundred refurbished rooms and suites with coastal or hinterland views and direct access to the casino and resort facilities. Rooms lean toward contemporary comfort, with neutral tones, modern furnishings and the convenience expected from a four-and-a-half to five-star property in this part of the world.
The Darling, opened in 2018, targets travellers seeking a more boutique, all-suite experience, positioning itself at the luxury end of the market with larger rooms, high-end finishes and personalised service. An additional tower shared by a Dorsett-branded hotel and The Star Residences adds further choice, with over 300 hotel rooms sitting below hundreds of one and two-bedroom apartments that suit longer stays and families.
Dining and Bars
Food has become one of the resort’s major drawcards, with a collection of restaurants that range from fine dining to casual poolside options. Signature venues such as Kiyomi, Nineteen at The Star and Cucina Vivo are positioned to appeal to diners who might visit even if they never step onto the gaming floor, blending Japanese, modern Australian and Italian influences with a focus on quality produce and presentation.
For more relaxed occasions, outlets like Garden Kitchen & Bar and Mei Wei Dumplings offer approachable menus in bright, social spaces that often spill outdoors, making the most of the Gold Coast climate. Bars are scattered through the property, from lobby lounges to venues with live music or DJ sets, ensuring guests can find everything from a quiet pre-dinner drink to a late-night party vibe without leaving the island.
Entertainment and Events
Jupiters built much of its early reputation on live shows, and the theatre continues to host touring productions, concerts and special events throughout the year. Redevelopment of the theatre has added a balcony level, new hospitality rooms, upgraded bars and improved accessibility, allowing the venue to accommodate modern productions and different event formats.
Beyond the theatre, the resort’s event centre and ballroom cater to conferences, gala dinners and corporate functions, making the property a regular choice for large-scale business events. Seasonal activations, sports screenings and themed parties in bars or outdoor spaces contribute to a sense that something is always happening on the property, particularly on weekends and during major holiday periods.
Pools, Spa and Leisure Facilities
The pool deck at the main resort provides a classic holiday setting with sun loungers, cabanas and bar service, ideal for cooling off between beach visits or gaming sessions. Guests at the various towers typically have access to fitness facilities, with gyms designed to take advantage of natural light and views over the coast or hinterland.
Day spa services and wellness treatments are available for visitors looking to unwind, complementing the broader leisure offering that includes landscaped gardens and quiet corners around the resort. Residents in The Star Residences towers also benefit from dedicated amenities such as private pools, lounges, cooking spaces and yoga or stretch areas on elevated decks, further reinforcing the resort’s lifestyle focus.
Service, Atmosphere and Clientele
The atmosphere at what locals still often call Jupiters tends to shift with the day and season, from relaxed and family-friendly in the mornings and afternoons to more vibrant and adult-oriented in the evenings. Staff are trained to manage both gaming and non-gaming guests, with service standards calibrated to align with four- and five-star expectations across reception, housekeeping, dining and gaming areas.
Clientele include a mix of local Gold Coast residents, interstate visitors from cities such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and international travellers drawn by the Gold Coast’s beaches and theme parks. Mid-week stays often feature corporate groups attending conferences at the adjacent convention centre, while weekends and holidays skew toward leisure travellers, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions.
Responsible Gambling and Regulation
As a Queensland casino, the property operates under strict state regulation and is required to uphold responsible gambling frameworks, including prominent signage and access to support services for pokie players. The long-standing arrangement that directs a portion of gross gaming revenue into the Gambling Community Benefit Fund underscores the casino’s contribution to community initiatives, particularly for local non-profit organisations.
For guests, this means that while gaming is central to the resort’s identity, there is an explicit emphasis on playing within personal limits and viewing the casino as one element of a broader entertainment experience. Staff training, age checks at entry points and restrictions around advertising all form part of the compliance environment that surrounds the property.
Pros and Cons for Visitors
Jupiters Casino’s evolution into The Star Gold Coast has delivered a polished, contemporary resort that compares favourably with other major Australian casino properties, particularly in terms of location and non-gaming amenities. The proximity to the beach, the convention centre and major shopping, combined with a strong line-up of restaurants and upgraded hotel product, gives the resort broad appeal for both leisure and business travel.
On the other hand, travellers who remember the original Jupiters may feel that some of the old-school charm and value-driven offers have been replaced by a more upscale focus that can carry higher price points, especially across premium dining and suites. During peak periods, the popularity of the property can lead to busy gaming floors, crowded lifts and high demand for restaurant bookings, so planning ahead is advisable if seeking a more relaxed experience.
Who Jupiters Casino Suits Best
The current incarnation of Jupiters is well suited to couples and groups who want a short break with easy access to gaming, dining and nightlife without needing to travel far once checked in. It is also appealing for conference delegates who prefer to stay on-site and extend their trip with a few extra nights, taking advantage of the resort facilities and nearby beach.
Families can also enjoy the property, particularly when booking apartment-style accommodation in The Star Residences or the Dorsett tower, though parents should be mindful that the casino and nightlife elements create a more adult-centric environment in the evenings. High-end travellers seeking premium suites, fine dining and attentive service will likely gravitate toward The Darling and the upper levels of the newer towers, where the focus is firmly on comfort and exclusivity.
Final Verdict
Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast has transformed from an eighties-era gaming icon into a multifaceted resort under The Star banner, balancing its heritage with a modern approach to accommodation, entertainment and dining. Its strengths lie in its beachside location, wide range of rooms and suites, strong restaurant line-up and a casino that offers everything from entry-level fun to high-end play in one place.
For Australian travellers and international visitors alike, the property delivers a comprehensive resort experience that can easily anchor a Gold Coast holiday or business trip, provided expectations are set around its busy, high-energy nature and the premium pricing that comes with a flagship integrated resort. For those comfortable in that environment, Jupiters – now The Star Gold Coast – remains one of the country’s most recognisable and enduring casino destinations.
