Is Trump Planning a ‘Big, Beautiful Tower’ on Australia’s Gold Coast?

A prominent piece of real estate in Australia’s tourism mecca Gold Coast could be the home of a new Trump Tower, if quiet whispers around a potential development are to be believed.

If there are plans in the works, it would be the first such development on Australian soil.

Trump Towers are a luxury-style skyscraper built by the Trump Organisation, generally blending residential living, office and retail spaces.

The first tower was built by current U.S. President Donald Trump in New York City in 1983, with the Trump Organisation itself now being run by family members since his re-election.

The site in question is the prominent beachside 3 Trickett St at the tourist hub Surfers Paradise, the former site of the Iluka Resort.

The piece of prime real estate was bought by Malaysian investor Loi Keong Kuong in 2019, before being listed for sale in 2024.

Gold Coast City Council previously approved the site for 479 dwellings, food and drink outlets, and a shop.

The office of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate hinted at the potential boon for the region if such a project were to go ahead.

“At this stage any discussions have been confidential,” a statement provided to The Epoch Times said.

“If it was to go ahead it would obviously be a great outcome for Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast.”

Queensland Trade Minister Ros Bates said Premier David Crisafulli’s Open for Business initiative had made the state a drawcard for investors.

“Should the Trump Organisation wish to consider building a hotel on the Gold Coast, I’m sure it would be one big, beautiful tower,” she told The Epoch Times.

The United States is Queensland’s fifth-largest export destination and was the fastest-growing market among the top 10 for the year ending November 2025, according to Trade and Investment Queensland.

Premier’s Push for US-Queensland Partnership

Last year, Premier Crisafulli outlined his ambitions to deepen U.S.-Queensland ties during an address to the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia (AMCHAM) in Brisbane.

Crisafulli was also confident Australia’s third most populous state could overtake Victoria and Melbourne as the country’s second biggest investment destination behind Sydney.

“Our relationship with the U.S. shouldn’t be understated,” he said.

“We should lean on it, we should look to it, we should honour it and we should be proud of it.”

Crisafulli said he believed within a decade, Queensland would be one of the favoured regions for investment in Australia due to an open attitude towards growth.

The Epoch Times contacted the Trump Organisation for comment.