Government House Sydney
Government House - The little castle in the city
Government house in Sydney is a beautiful stately building surrounded by just over 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds adjoining the Royal Botanic Gardens. It sits just behind the Sydney Opera House overlooking Farm Cove on Sydney Harbour. With its gothic revival architecture and many turrets, it is more like a small castle than a house.
You can enjoy a free tour of this fascinating house and property between Friday and Sunday, but you must still obtain a ticket from the gatehouse for access which is only by guided tour
Construction of Government House in Sydney, which replaced the Old Government House in Parramatta, began in 1837. The architect, Edward Blore, was also very much involved in the design of Buckingham Palace in London. In 1845 the first resident, Governor George Gipps, moved in. Except for a period of time between 1996 and 2011 the house has always been the residence of the Governor or Governor-General. Beginning in 1996 the house was managed by the Historic Houses Trust. They continue to manage the property to this day carrying out a rigorous program of restoration and maintenance. In 2011, after much public protest, it was decided that the Governor should once again take up official residence in Government House as it was realized that it was actually costing more to maintain the property without the Governor residing there.
Government House hosts many functions throughout the year, including state functions, concerts, festivals, exhibitions and as many as 250 Vice Regal functions.
Nearby attractions include : Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House, Customs House, Justice and Police Museum and the Museum of Sydney.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoGovernment House Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9228 4111
Official Website: Government House
Government House Reviews
Rated out of 5
We find many ducks around this place.
We can see this government house only during certain times. It's an 1800s mansion. It's open from Friday to Sunday, do check out the timings before visiting.
If you use a guide here, then you need to take tickets or else you can just go around the house
You'll find beautiful rose flowers, the garden is maintained very well.
You can walk around, there's a fountain in the back of the building.
Anusha M - a month ago
Fantastic place and a piece of Australian history located in beautiful surrounds
So the tour of the place (free) and then wander the botanical gardens - a great outing
They have jazz at the house the first Sunday of the month (info on website) - bring a picnic and a bottle of wine
Nikolaus Beattie - 2 months ago
They have jazz every first Sunday of the month from 12pm with free flow visit of the Government House. The route provided by Google maps is wrong. Follow the sign
My Nguyen - a month ago
Beautiful Government House with peaceful garden. visiting from Friday to Sunday. Free entry and tour. Live music on Sunday this school holiday
C N - 4 weeks ago
Beautiful old building. Free entry. Building and gardens were magnificent. So much history. Located on Macquarie Street. Within the botanic gardens. Well worth the visit
Lisa Kelly - 6 months ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| L2, T2, T3, T8 or Sydney Ferries | Circular Quay | 10 minutes |
How to get to Government House by Train
By Train or Ferry: exit at Circular Quay Station and proceed west on Alfred Street then left on Albert Street and right on Macquarie Street. Enter the park by the horse and rider statue and follow the signs to Government House.
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Accommodations near Government House:
Photo Gallery
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Beautiful landscaping accentuates the striking architecture of Government House cc licensed photo by safaris
