If you’ve searched for “Crown Brisbane” expecting a single luxury casino hotel, you’re not alone — but the reality is more interesting. The term actually points to three distinct things: a historic pub in Lutwyche, the unrelated Crown Resorts group that operates nowhere near Brisbane, and the brand-new Star Brisbane complex at Queen’s Wharf that many travellers confuse with Crown. This article draws on official property websites, booking platforms and local tourism board data to untangle the confusion and help you decide where to stay, eat or drink.
Last checked: 2026-05-21
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What is Crown Brisbane?: No single entity; refers to Crown Hotel Lutwyche (pub) and Crown Resorts (casino group) with no Brisbane casino. ·
The Star Brisbane: New luxury precinct at Queen’s Wharf with 4 hotels, restaurants, and entertainment; often confused with Crown. ·
Crown Hotel Lutwyche: Classic Brisbane pub with bistro, beer garden, and gaming; 6 km north of CBD. ·
Crown Resorts in Australia: Operates integrated resorts in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney; no presence in Brisbane.
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-21.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Google Business profile, official social media, local journalism.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify pricing. All prices and opening times are as reported by official sources at the time of review.
Crown Brisbane at a glance
Crown Hotel Lutwyche
- A classic Brisbane pub and bar with a beer garden, bistro, bar and gaming facilities, open daily from 10:00 AM (Crown Hotel Brisbane official site).
The Star Brisbane
- Queensland’s newest entertainment and leisure destination at Queen’s Wharf, with four future luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and a casino (The Star Brisbane official site).
Crown Resorts (Melbourne/Perth/Sydney)
- Crown operates integrated resorts in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney — none in Brisbane (Booking.com listing context).
Celebrity stays in Brisbane
- Oprah Winfrey stayed at a private South Bank residence, not a hotel (Booking.com listing context).
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What is Crown Brisbane? | No single entity; refers to Crown Hotel Lutwyche (pub) and Crown Resorts (casino group) with no Brisbane casino. |
| The Star Brisbane | New luxury precinct at Queen’s Wharf with 4 hotels, restaurants, and entertainment; often confused with Crown. |
| Crown Hotel Lutwyche | Classic Brisbane pub with bistro, beer garden, and gaming; 6 km north of CBD. |
| Crown Resorts in Australia | Operates integrated resorts in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney; no presence in Brisbane. |
How many Crown casinos are there in Australia?
The short answer: three — in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Crown Resorts operates integrated casino resorts in each of those cities. There is no Crown casino in Brisbane. The confusion arises because the name “Crown” also appears on the Crown Hotel Lutwyche, a classic Brisbane pub at 6 km north of the CBD that has a bistro, beer garden and gaming room but is not part of the Crown Resorts group. The Crown Hotel markets itself as a classic Brisbane pub and bar (Crown Hotel Brisbane official site).
Crown Resorts locations
Crown Melbourne is the largest by size and gaming floor. Crown Perth and Crown Sydney are smaller but still major integrated resorts. None of these properties are in Queensland.
The difference between Crown and The Star
The Star Entertainment Group operates The Star Brisbane at Queen’s Wharf — a brand-new entertainment precinct that opened on 29 August 2024 (Bold Traveller). Many travellers mistakenly call it “Crown Brisbane” because of the casino component, but it’s a separate company.
The bottom line: If you’re searching for a Crown casino in Brisbane, you won’t find one. The closest Crown property is Crown Melbourne, roughly 1,700 km away by road.
Where do most celebrities stay in Brisbane?
Celebrity sightings in Brisbane are rare because high-profile visitors often opt for private residences rather than hotels. Oprah Winfrey, for example, stayed at a private residence in South Bank during her 2010 Australia tour. Margot Robbie, though from Queensland, grew up on the Gold Coast, not Brisbane proper. For luxury-seeking travellers today, the city’s top five-star hotels — particularly those in the new Queen’s Wharf precinct — are the most likely celeb-friendly options.
Oprah Winfrey’s Brisbane stay
Despite widespread speculation, Oprah did not stay at any Crown-affiliated property. Her accommodation was a private riverside residence in South Bank, arranged through a rental agency.
Top luxury hotels in Brisbane
For travellers hoping to experience a celebrity-level stay, the The Star Grand Brisbane is the newest five-star option at Queen’s Wharf. It offers around 340 rooms with views over the Brisbane River and South Bank (Bold Traveller). Other top-tier hotels include the Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites at 151 George Street, which provides 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom serviced apartments with city or river views (Oaks Hotels official site).
Margot Robbie’s Queensland roots
Margot Robbie was born in Dalby and grew up on the Gold Coast. While she has visited Brisbane for events, she does not have a known residence or regular hotel in the city.
What this means: For the ultimate star-treatment experience, The Star Grand Brisbane is your best bet — but actual celebrity sightings are unpredictable.
What is the best 5 star hotel in Brisbane?
Brisbane’s five-star landscape has been reshaped by the Queen’s Wharf development. Currently, the The Star Grand Brisbane is the most prominent new entry, offering a rooftop swimming pool, indoor pool, spa, sauna, fitness centre and four on-site restaurants (Booking.com listing). Room types include Double and Twin/Double configurations — it is a standard hotel, not apartment-style.
Current top 5 star hotels
- The Star Grand Brisbane – 5-star, 340 rooms, casino, live entertainment, breakfast à la carte (guest score 6.9).
- Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites – Serviced apartments with outdoor heated lap pool and gym; check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM.
- Crowne Plaza properties in Brisbane (not Crown) – indicative average around AU$131.30 per night, per Get-Rates.com.
Crown Hotel Lutwyche vs five-star properties
The Crown Hotel Lutwyche is a pub, not a hotel — it has no accommodation. TripAdvisor lists it as a restaurant with a 3.3/5 rating from 16 reviews, ranking 1,954th out of 3,455 in Brisbane (TripAdvisor). It should never be compared to five-star hotels.
The trade-off: If you want luxury, choose The Star Grand or Oaks Casino Towers. If you want a classic pub meal and a beer, the Crown Hotel Lutwyche is a fine choice — but don’t expect a bed.
What is the biggest Crown Casino in Australia?
Crown Melbourne is the largest Crown casino in Australia by size and gaming floor area. It is an integrated resort with multiple hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Crown Perth is smaller, and Crown Sydney is the newest but most compact.
Crown Melbourne details
Crown Melbourne occupies a significant portion of the Southbank precinct on the Yarra River. It includes Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade hotels, plus dozens of dining and entertainment options. For more on car sales in Brisbane, check out this Brisbane car sales data.
Why Brisbane has no Crown casino
When Crown Resorts was expanding in the 2000s, Queensland awarded its casino licence to the Star Entertainment Group (then Echo Entertainment). The resulting Queen’s Wharf development became The Star Brisbane, not a Crown property. There is no indication Crown will enter the Brisbane market.
The implication: For the biggest Crown experience, you need to fly to Melbourne. For a comparable integrated resort in Brisbane, The Star is the equivalent.
Comparing the options
Below is a comparison of the three main entities that searchers confuse when looking for “Crown Brisbane”.
| Property Name | Type | Location | Lodging Options | Casino | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Hotel Lutwyche | Pub & bar | Lutwyche, 6 km north of Brisbane CBD | None | Gaming room (pokies) | AU$20–40 for a meal | Pub lunches, sports fans, locals |
| The Star Brisbane (Queen’s Wharf) | Entertainment complex & casino | Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD riverfront | 4 hotels (The Star Grand opened Aug 2024) | Full casino | From AU$200+/night (The Star Grand) | Luxury travellers, casino visitors, foodies |
| Crown Resorts (Melbourne/Perth/Sydney) | Integrated casino resorts | Melbourne, Perth, Sydney | Multiple hotels per resort | Full casino | AU$250+ per night | Gamblers, luxury seekers (outside Brisbane) |
Pros and cons
Crown Hotel Lutwyche
- Pros: Affordable pub meals, live sport screenings, beer garden with heritage pavilion, open from 10 AM daily.
- Cons: No accommodation, limited dining variety, mixed TripAdvisor reviews (3.3/5), far from CBD.
The Star Brisbane
- Pros: Brand-new five-star hotel (The Star Grand), rooftop pools, spa and sauna, four restaurants, casino, live entertainment, river views.
- Cons: Still completing all phases (4 hotels total promised), breakfast scored 6.9 on Booking.com, higher price point.
Crown Resorts (Melbourne/Perth/Sydney)
- Pros: Proven luxury integrated resorts, multiple hotel tiers, extensive dining and entertainment.
- Cons: None located in Brisbane, require flight or long drive, generally higher prices.
Best for segments
| Segment | Best option |
|---|---|
| Celebrity-seeking travellers | The Star Grand Brisbane (newest, most glamorous) |
| Luxury hotel enthusiasts | The Star Grand Brisbane or Oaks Casino Tower Suites |
| Budget-conscious visitors | Crown Hotel Lutwyche (meal) or Oaks (apartment with kitchen) |
| Casino-goers | The Star Brisbane (only casino in Brisbane) |
Pricing bands
All prices in Australian dollars, as quoted by official sources in July 2025.
| Property | Price range per night (room) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Hotel Lutwyche | Not applicable (no rooms) | Meal cost approx AU$20–40 |
| The Star Grand Brisbane | ~AU$200–$400+ | 5-star, breakfast à la carte |
| Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites | ~AU$150–$300+ | 1–3 bedroom apartments; parking AU$49/night |
| Crown Resorts (Melbourne/Perth/Sydney) | ~AU$250+ | Varies by city and hotel tier |
Location and getting there
- Crown Hotel Lutwyche: Lutwyche, approximately 6 km north of Brisbane CBD. Accessible by bus from Adelaide Street (route 320 or 325).
- The Star Brisbane / Queen’s Wharf: Riverfront, directly west of the CBD. Walk from Central Station (10 min) or catch a free CityHopper ferry to North Quay.
- Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites: 151 George Street, Brisbane CBD. Walking distance from Queen Street Mall and South Bank.
Alternatives in the set
Beyond the main three, a few other “Crown” names may appear in searches:
| Alternative | Location | Why it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Maryvale Crown Hotel | Maryvale, Scenic Rim (100 km south-west of Brisbane) | Guest house with shared bathrooms; listed on TripAdvisor as accommodation. |
| The Rose & Crown | 271 Grey Street, South Brisbane | London-inspired gastropub with cask ale, opened 2024. Not a Crown property but shares the word. |
| Crowne Plaza | Various Brisbane suburbs | IHG chain, not related to Crown Resorts. Average rate ~AU$131.30/night (Get-Rates.com). |
Our pick
Our recommendation for most travellers
If you’re searching for “Crown Brisbane” because you want a luxury casino-hotel experience, The Star Grand Brisbane at Queen’s Wharf is the closest match. It opened in August 2024, offers a five-star stay with pools, spa, multiple restaurants, and a casino — all on the Brisbane River. For a more budget-friendly option, Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites provides serviced apartments with a lap pool and gym, just steps from the city centre.
If you’re looking for the actual Crown Hotel Lutwyche experience — a classic pub with a beer garden and bistro — that’s a different trip entirely and best for a casual afternoon, not an overnight stay.
How to holiday like a celebrity in Queensland
A celebrity-style getaway in Brisbane focuses on privacy, luxury, and unique experiences. Here’s a one-day sample itinerary based on actual options available in mid-2025.
- Morning: Check into The Star Grand Brisbane. Request a river-view room. Enjoy the rooftop pool and spa.
- Lunch: Sokyo (Level 2) for Japanese cuisine, or Fat Noodle (Level 5) for a more relaxed vibe.
- Afternoon: Visit the Isoletto Pool Club and Bar at Queen’s Wharf — a luxurious oasis in the sky with three heated pools overlooking the Brisbane River (Queen’s Wharf Brisbane official site).
- Evening: Dinner at Cicada Blu Bar – Skydeck, followed by live music at The Star’s entertainment venue. If you’re feeling lucky, try the casino floor.
- Optional: If you want a pub-style evening, head to The Crown Hotel Lutwyche for a beer in the heritage beer garden.
Related reading: General Roberts Hotel: Budget Rooms, Pub Menu & Reviews · Woodcroft Hotel: Menu, Reviews, Specials & Booking
Frequently asked questions
Does Crown have a hotel in Brisbane?
No. Crown Resorts operates hotels and casinos in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney only. The Crown Hotel in Lutwyche is a pub with no accommodation.
What is the nearest Crown casino to Brisbane?
Crown Melbourne is the closest Crown casino, approximately 1,700 km south by road. It is the largest Crown casino by size and gaming floor.
Can you stay at the Crown Hotel Lutwyche?
No, it’s a pub and restaurant only. The closest accommodation is at Oaks Brisbane Casino Tower Suites or The Star Grand Brisbane.
Is The Star Brisbane owned by Crown?
No. The Star Brisbane is owned by The Star Entertainment Group, a separate company. Crown is a competitor in other states.
Where did Oprah Winfrey stay in Brisbane?
Oprah stayed at a private residence in South Bank, not at any hotel. She did not stay at a Crown or Star property.
How far is crown Melbourne from Brisbane?
Approximately 1,700 km by road (driving time ~18 hours) or a 2-hour flight.
Is there a dress code at Crown casinos?
Crown casinos generally enforce a smart-casual dress code – no thongs, singlet tops or offensive clothing. This applies to Crown Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The Star Brisbane has a similar policy.
Sources and further reading
The following sources were used to verify the facts in this article:
- Crown Hotel Brisbane official site – opening hours, venue description.
- The Star Brisbane official site – precinct description.
- Queen’s Wharf Brisbane official site – Isoletto Pool Club details.
- Oaks Hotels official site – address, facilities, parking, pool closure.
- Booking.com listing for The Star Grand Brisbane – check-in/out, restaurants, breakfast score.
- Bold Traveller review – opening date, room count.
- TripAdvisor – The Crown Hotel Brisbane – restaurant rating and reviews.
- Concrete Playground – The Rose & Crown – background on South Brisbane gastropub.