An example of a Gothic Revival building, Government House was constructed between 1837 and 1845 with a design by Royal Architect, Edward Blore, built under the supervision of Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis and Colonel Barney of the Royal Engineers.
The State Rooms on the ground floor include the dining room, drawing room, study, and ballroom and contain a collection of 19th and 20th century furnishings. The State Apartments on the 1st floor were used by the Governor, visiting members of the Royal Family and other Heads of State.
The building served as the Governor’s residence, office and official reception space until 1996. However, since 1996 the Governor has not used it as a residence and the Governor’s Office has been relocated, although it remains the Governor's official reception space and is frequently used for Vice-Regal purposes.
Today much of the nineteenth century character of the grounds, which overlook the Harbour, remains.
You can visit the grounds daily for free. Tours of the house are available Friday to Sunday. (The upstairs rooms, including the bedrooms, are not open to the public.)
Times and Prices
Grounds open daily from 10am to 4pm
House open Friday to Sunday from 10:30am to 3pm
( by guided tour ONLY)
(Tours depart every half hour commencing at 10.30am the last tour departs at 3pm)
Admission: FREE
Location
Macquarie Street at the intersection with Bridge Street
(edge of The Royal Botanic Gardens)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9931 5222
How to Get There
Circular Quay Station (10 Min walk)
External Link
Government House
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