Expansion into Australia’s Capital
Hilton has officially announced its expansion into Australia's national capital with the signing of a franchise agreement to develop the Hilton Canberra Manuka. The new property, which will be managed under the brand's flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts flag, is located at 15–17 Franklin Street in the established Manuka precinct. According to the company, the development is expected to reach completion and open to the public in early 2027, representing the hotel giant's first entry into the city of Canberra. Source
The project is a result of a partnership between Hilton and the ICC Development Group. The development is funded through a significant private investment by the Liangis family, aimed at bolstering the local tourism and hospitality sector. As part of a larger precinct redevelopment, the site will feature integrated ground-level retail spaces, various dining establishments, and a cinema, all designed to connect the hotel directly to the existing local environment in the Manuka area. Source
The hotel will feature a total of 184 guest rooms, including eight suites. Standard guest accommodations are designed to offer a footprint ranging from 32 to 45 square metres. These facilities are intended to serve a wide demographic, including government officials, corporate travellers, diplomats, sports enthusiasts visiting the nearby Manuka Oval, and leisure guests. The location is specifically chosen to provide convenient access to major landmarks, including Parliament House and the Parliamentary Triangle. Source
Onsite amenities planned for the property include a comprehensive executive lounge, a restaurant and bar offering all-day dining, as well as dedicated fitness and wellness facilities. Guests will also have access to a sauna and a swimming pool. These services are planned to be integrated into the broader hotel infrastructure, ensuring that both business and leisure travelers have the resources required during their stay in the national capital. Source
For professional and social events, the Hilton Canberra Manuka will provide a ballroom alongside a multifunction space. This area is designed to be configurable into four individual rooms, allowing the facility to accommodate various event types, ranging from high-level executive meetings and conferences to private celebrations and weddings. This versatility is intended to capture demand from the local government and diplomatic sectors. Source
The property's location offers notable proximity to key transport infrastructure and cultural sites. It is situated approximately 1.5 kilometres from the Canberra Railway Station and is roughly seven kilometres from Canberra Airport. Additionally, the hotel's placement across from the Manuka Oval puts it in immediate reach of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and the Questacon science centre, catering to tourists and local visitors alike. Source
The economic impact of the hotel is expected to be significant, with the project slated to support between 100 and 120 full-time, part-time, and casual positions upon opening. These roles will span across hospitality operations and general hotel management. Beyond direct employment, the development is projected to stimulate visitor spending and create ongoing demand for local services, retailers, and suppliers within the Manuka precinct. Source
Upon opening, the property will be fully integrated into the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Guests who book their stays directly through preferred brand channels will be eligible for various member benefits, including exclusive discounts, complimentary standard Wi-Fi, and the option to use Points & Money for payments. The Hilton Honors mobile app will also provide guests with digital conveniences such as mobile check-in, room selection, and the use of Digital Key for room access. Source
Property Overview
The following table outlines key specifications for the upcoming property based on the official development announcements. Source
Development of the site at 15–17 Franklin Street is currently underway as part of the broader Manuka precinct upgrade. The project reflects a long-term strategy by the development team to combine international hospitality brand standards with specific local design features. The hotel management team, supported by Hilton’s operational expertise, expects the property to establish itself as a prominent destination for both domestic and international visitors to Canberra. Source
The decision to launch this property follows a period where Canberra's high-end accommodation market has seen a limited number of international brand flags. By placing a flagship Hilton hotel in a well-established area like Manuka, the developers aim to capitalize on the steady flow of government, corporate, and sporting traffic that defines the capital's visitor profile. The project remains subject to construction timelines as it progresses toward the early 2027 opening target. Source
While booking and specific loyalty-based ticketing services are currently in planning phases, Hilton has indicated that full integration into their digital booking ecosystem will occur closer to the official launch date. Potential guests are advised to monitor official Hilton channels for updates regarding specific booking windows, room rate availability, and the finalization of grand opening schedules as the 2027 timeline nears. Source
