Eastern Terrace, Government House. Photograph © Patrick Bingham-Hall.

Government House

In 1996 the Historic Houses Trust was asked to manage Government House. The aim was to support the Governor and to enable the house to be used by the State Government and charitable organisations, as well as enabling the general public to enjoy this very special place. Since then we have managed Government House as a busy ‘working State House’ rather than a museum ‘frozen in time’.

Every year around 10,000 people attend nearly 250 Vice Regal functions. Since 1996 nearly 2 million people have visited the house and gardens, including attendance at approximately 750 community and charitable events and over 500 cultural events. The Federal Government has also hosted international events such as the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in 2007 and the Official Welcome for Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

In October 2011 the Premier Barry O’Farrell announced that the Governor would return to Government House to live, with the house and grounds remaining open to the public under the current arrangements. Read the Guidebook.

HOUSE MUSIC 2013

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Sydney Living Museums is delighted to welcome you to Government House for House Music 2013.

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IMAGE GALLERIES

Government House drawing room, 2007. Photograph Jody Pachniuk

Go behind the scenes at Government House into a world of meticulous planning and immaculate detail.

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CLOSURES

OPENING HOURS

Planning a visit? Government House is occasionally closed for Vice Regal functions.

Check for closures online.

Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Contact: 02 9931 5222

Admission:

  •  Free
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Hours: Click here for details of current opening times

Transport:

Language guide:

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