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Government House Sydney
Government House Sydney
At the northern edge of the Royal Botanic Garden, Government House is Sydney’s ‘castle by the harbour’
About the building
Tucked away between the Sydney Opera House and the Conservatorium of Music, Government House is Sydney’s ‘castle by the harbour’. The official residence and office of the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, occupies a unique position within the civic, ceremonial and cultural life of the state.
Government House and its grounds represent a rare and largely intact example of a 19th-century castellated Gothic residence and harbourside estate. Originally designed in England by Edward Blore (architect to William IV and Queen Victoria), its Gothic Revival style was intended to project stability, grandeur and civic pride. It was modified by Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis to suit its Sydney location and constructed between 1836 and 1845.
Built from local Sydney sandstone, it features ornate towers, battlements and finely detailed interiors including grand staircases, stained-glass windows and handpainted ceilings.
Over the years, the site has evolved to reflect the changing needs of its occupants, with contributions from other prominent architects including James Barnet and Walter Liberty Vernon. Its grand historic interiors are replete with a significant collection of decorative arts, furniture, portraits and gubernatorial memorabilia dating back to 1845.
Sydney Open visitors can see the magnificent state rooms and enjoy the beautiful, landscaped garden setting with views over Farm Cove and the harbour.
Talks & Tours
Ice cream and coffee truck at Government House
Ice cream and coffee truck from 10am - 3pm.
Time: All Day
'Art through Science' exhibition at Government House
View the 'Art through Science' exhibition by the Centenary Institute in the Ballroom.
Time: All Day
Australian Air Force Band performances
Enjoy performances from the Australian Air Force Band from 12pm to 3pm.
Time: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
NSW Police Band performances
Enjoy performances from the NSW Police Band from 10am - 12pm.
Time: 10am, 11am
Sausage sizzle by the Normanhurst Scouts
Normanhurst Scouts sausage sizzle from 10-3pm.
Time: All Day
Vintage car displays
See vintage cars on display all day.
Time: All Day
Building info
Built
1845
Architect
Edward Blore, Mortimer Lewis
Acknowledgements
Royal Automobile Club of Australia, The Centenary Institute, The Royal Australian Airforce Band
Find out more about this building here
Government House Sydney
Macquarie Street, Sydney
Entry details
State rooms and gardens
10am–5pm
4.45pm
Talks, tours and more
Need to know
Accessible featuresRamps available
Toilets availableAccessible toilets
Photography allowedNo commercial photography
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