By Ashleigh Howarth

Construction is set to begin on a new $53 million Hilton-branded hotel in Ipswich later this year, bringing a new level of comfort and convenience for visitors to the Heritage City.

The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will feature 160 rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar, fitness centre, conference facilities and more. It will be built on vacant council-owned land on Ellenborough Street, next to the award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct.

Work is expected to commence in late 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2028. The hotel will provide high-quality accommodation ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as for Ipswich’s major events that attract thousands of visitors each year. These include Australia’s largest international country music festival, CMC Rocks; the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals - the largest championship drag racing event held outside North America; the Ipswich Cup; and the much-loved Ipswich Show, among many others.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the Hilton Garden Inn would elevate the city’s growing reputation.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will take our reputation as a must-visit destination for great experiences to the next level. This hotel is a game-changer for the city,” she said.

The February 11 announcement followed the implementation of council’s Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Action Plan, initiated by Mayor Harding to address the shortage of hotel rooms in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games.

“A recent audit identified 515 short-term accommodation rooms in Ipswich - about 310 fewer than will be required for the Games and beyond. This signing more than halves that gap,” she said.

“This will supercharge Ipswich’s tourism sector, increasing overnight stays by visitors drawn to the Hilton brand and providing a boost for tourism operators and local businesses, particularly as we work collectively to maximise the opportunities on offer in 2032 and beyond.”

Joining a global network

Ipswich is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, and Paul Hutton, Area Vice President and Head of Australasia for Hilton, said the new hotel would join the company’s extensive global portfolio.

“With more than 1,100 Hilton Garden Inn hotels trading globally and a pipeline of over 450 worldwide, the brand continues to build strong momentum across Australasia — spanning major hubs like Brisbane as well as regional and provincial centres including Busselton, Albany and Darwin,” he said.

“Hilton Garden Inn hotels already operate in key regional markets and will open in Suva later this year, with Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich another strong example of how we’re bringing our trusted, value-driven hospitality to high-growth destinations.

“We’re proud to partner on a hotel that supports Ipswich’s continued transformation, offering business and leisure travellers a welcoming and convenient base in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing cities.”

Tushar Raniga, Director of Development Australasia, Hilton, said Ipswich was emerging as one of Southeast Queensland’s most dynamic cities.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is designed to deliver high-quality, efficient accommodation that strengthens local room supply, supports tourism and business travel, and creates lasting benefits for growing communities,” he said.

What’s nearby?

Located in the CBD, the new hotel will place guests within walking distance of Ipswich’s dining, entertainment and cultural attractions.

Arts, culture and entertainment

Ipswich Civic Centre and Studio 188 – Hosting a range of performances and shows each month.
Ipswich Art Gallery – Showcasing local, national and international artists, along with hands-on workshops.
Tulmur Place – A vibrant community hub for culture, arts, food, retail and events.
General Public Ipswich – Bowling, golf simulators, arcade games, interactive darts, billiards and a sports bar.
HOYTS Ipswich – Six state-of-the-art cinemas with luxury seating.
MiniBOUNCE – Indoor adventure play featuring trampolines, interactive structures and more.
Ipswich Central Library – A purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility with extensive collections and study spaces.
Ipswich Children’s Library – Australia’s only public library dedicated exclusively to children aged 0–12.
Banshees Bar and Art Space – An inclusive live music and art venue.
Ipswich Little Theatre – A local theatre group staging regular productions.

Local shops

Arttime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies
Embers & Twine
Oh! JoJo Boutique
The Book Bouquet
Dark Magician Games
Country House Gifts and Homewares
Ipswich Antique Centre
Obsession Shoes Boutique
The Soul Cauldron
The Vintage Advantage

Dining options

Hotel Commonwealth
Hello Harry
Nautical Bowls
Vapiano
General Public Eatertainery
Kickin’Inn
Bun Bun Bao
Stellarossa
Sushi Hyo
Zambrero
Oikos
The Rusty Nail
Rafter & Rose
Monte Lane
St. Shoebill
Fourthchild Café and Restaurant
Indian Mehfil
Ungermann Brothers Ipswich
Bakehouse Steakhouse
The Retro Diner
The Mill Coffee Shop
Stony Creek Brewery
Ellen & Rod
Memories of India
Queens Park Café

Explore beyond the CBD

Visitors looking to venture further afield can also explore:

Brookwater Golf & Country Club
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve
Cooneana Heritage Centre
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
EWE Nique Hobby Farm
Flinders-Goolan Conservation Estate
Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights
Ghost Tours Australia
Grandchester Model Steam Railway
Hidden Vale Adventure Park
Homage Restaurant
Ipswich Nature Centre
Ipswich Turf Club
Jules Studio Gallery
Kholo Gardens
Marburg Hotel
Purga Nature Reserve
Orion Lagoon
Queens Park
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops
Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway
Queensland Raceway
RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre
Rage Cage Smash Rooms Ipswich
Rampage Axe Throwing
River Park Heartlands
Robelle Domain
Summer Land Camels
Spicers Hidden Vale
The Llama Farm
The Prince Alfred Hotel
Trevallan Lifestyle Centre
Valhalla Paintball
V8 Race Experience
Watercress Creek Olives and Limes
Willowbank MX
Willowbank Raceway
White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

For more information on how to plan your trip, visit the Discover Ipswich website.

How to get there

Ipswich is only 30 minutes by road from Brisbane City, one hour from the Brisbane Airport, and 45 minutes from the Gold Coast, and is accessible by car, bus, and train.

A new era of stays: Hilton Garden Inn coming to Ipswich CBD