As well as hosting Vice-Regal, state government and charitable events, Government House is also used for a busy program of public events including concerts, exhibitions, festivals, lectures, specialist study days, symposia, performances and artist-in-residence programs.

Each Thursday during school term we welcome primary school students to special education programs where they learn about the big ideas of law-making, citizenship and government. Children from years 1 and 2 explore identity and celebrations, looking how the house has been a focus for community celebrations for over 160 years and even re-enacting the 1855 Queen’s Birthday Ball. The house is also popular with ESL students of all ages who learn about culture, government and life in Australia.

Each year nearly 25,000 people attend free education programs, booked groups and free guided tours. Our popular guided tours enable people to connect with the rich history of NSW, Vice-Regal use of the house and the contemporary relevance of the Governors.