Opposite Manuka Oval, at the heart of the capital
The new hotel will be built at 15-17 Franklin Street, in the Manuka precinct, one of Canberra’s long-established districts. Directly opposite Manuka Oval, it will target a broad mix of guests: government, corporate, diplomatic, sporting and leisure travellers.
Parliament House, the Parliamentary Triangle, the embassy district and the Barton business precinct are all close by, as are the city’s main cultural institutions. Canberra Railway Station is around 1.5 km away and the airport some 7 km.
A first partnership with ICC Development Group
The Hilton Canberra Manuka will operate under a franchise agreement with ICC Development Group. This is the first time Hilton has worked with this partner. According to Tushar Raniga, Hilton’s director of development for Australasia, the signing “represents an important milestone in Hilton’s growth across Australasia and brings our flagship brand to Australia’s national capital”.
He also pointed to the hotel’s location in one of Canberra’s most established precincts, and to its proximity to key sources of government, diplomatic, corporate and leisure demand. In his view, this leaves the property well placed to welcome guests travelling for a wide variety of reasons.
Hilton has also announced the arrival of LXR Hotels & Resorts on the Gold Coast, likewise scheduled for early 2027. With the Canberra signing, the group continues to expand in the Australian market beyond the major coastal cities.
Private investment with strong local roots
Harrold Dakin, chief executive of ICC Development Group, described bringing Hilton’s flagship brand to Manuka as an important milestone for the company. He noted that the project represents a significant private investment by Mrs Liangis in Canberra’s tourism and hospitality sector.
ICC Development Group expects the hotel to create around 100 to 120 ongoing full-time, part-time and casual jobs. The developer also anticipates regular spin-off benefits for local restaurants, cafés, shops and suppliers.
The group aims to build an international hotel portfolio that brings together well-located assets, major global brands and experienced operators, and sees the partnership with Hilton as an important step towards that goal.
184 rooms and a full events offering
The hotel will have 184 rooms, including eight suites, with standard rooms ranging from 32 to 45 sq m. Facilities will include an all-day restaurant and bar, an executive lounge, a fitness and wellness area, a sauna and a pool.
For events, it will offer a ballroom and a flexible function space that can be divided into four rooms, allowing it to host everything from board meetings to weddings and private receptions.
The hotel forms part of a wider mixed-use development, with ground-floor retail, additional dining venues and a cinema, which will connect it to the life of the neighbourhood. The National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia and Questacon are all nearby.
The property will join Hilton Honors, the group’s loyalty programme. Members who book direct will benefit from preferential rates, complimentary standard Wi-Fi and the option to pay with Points & Money. The app will also offer check-in, room selection and Digital Key, where available.
Canberra: a market driven by institutional demand
Analysis – Until now, Hilton had no hotel in the federal capital. The market relies primarily on government, diplomatic and corporate demand. By choosing a location close to Parliament and the embassies, with an events offering and an executive lounge, the group is targeting this clientele first and foremost, without neglecting leisure and sport.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Hilton enters Canberra with its flagship brand
184-room Hilton Canberra Manuka, opening early 2027 at 15-17 Franklin Street, Manuka
Franchise agreement with ICC Development Group, a new partner for Hilton
Eight suites, standard rooms from 32 to 45 sq m, executive lounge, pool, sauna and ballroom
Directly opposite Manuka Oval, close to Parliament House and the embassy district
Around 100-120 ongoing jobs expected
