Government House Sydney
At the northern edge of the Royal Botanic Garden, Government House is Sydney’s ‘castle by the harbour’
10am–4pm
![[object Object]](https://images.mhnsw.au/fotoweb/embed/2025/08/9779935a0d844c91865a89b78c1a2436.jpg)
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.
A jazz ensemble from the Royal Australian Airforce will also be performing in the relaxed ambience of the gardens between 12pm and 3pm. There will be a display of historic motor vehicles from the Royal Automobile Club of Australia as well as an exhibition in the Government House Sydney ballroom by the Centenary Institute, When Art Meets Science.
Talks, tours and more
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–4pm
3.30pm
Talks, tours and more
Need to know
Accessible featuresRamps available. Accessible toilets are available
Toilets availablePhotography allowedNo commercial photography
Food and drink availableBYO picnic. The Scouts will be running a sausage sizzle on the grounds
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