Government House - Sydney, New South Wales

Nikolaus B.

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

Lisa K.

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

Patricia M.

We had a lovely tour with Katheryn. She was amazing. She managed to tell us a lot about the history of the government house and the beginnings of Australia and did that with as much enthusiasm as one can have. Her explanations were filled with jokes and it wasn’t boring one bit. We could have listened to her the whole afternoon. And all of that for free. Definitely recommend!

Thanh H. L.

I recently had the chance to visit Government House in Sydney, and it was a truly unique experience. While I wasn't lucky enough to snag a tour of the inside (those fill up fast!), I still felt transported back in time as I wandered the grounds.

The grand sandstone building is undeniably impressive, especially when contrasted with the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens. It felt almost surreal to be standing in the shadow of such a historic landmark, knowing all the important figures who had walked those same paths.

While I couldn't explore the interior, I did enjoy peeking through the windows and catching glimpses of the grand rooms. It sparked my imagination, and I couldn't help but wonder what stories those walls held.

Even without a tour, it was a worthwhile visit. The location itself is beautiful, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. It's a peaceful escape from the bustling city center, and a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

If you're ever in Sydney, I highly recommend checking out Government House, even if you can't score a tour. It's a chance to connect with the city's rich history and soak in the grandeur of a bygone era. Just be sure to book your tour well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly!

Nerine C.

Located on Macquarie Street , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺. This Heritage Listed building is the vice-regal residence of the Governor of New South Wales. Construction began in 1836 and was completed in 1845 when Governor Sir George Gipps, 9th Governor of New South Wales, and his wife took up residence. Before this, Government House was located in Bridge Street, Sydney (the site of the Museum of Sydney). This first Government House’s foundations had been laid by the first Governor of New South Wales, Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788.
Just a short walk from Circular Quay Railway Station and adjacent to the Sydney Botanical Gardens, overlooking the Sydney Harbour and south of the Sydney Opera House. The building was designed by Edward Blore, architect to William IV and Queen Victoria. Over the years, Government House has been refurbished to suit the tastes and needs of each successive Governor. Definitely worth a visit. The guide was very knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions we had. It was great to visit such an iconic piece of Sydney’s history. A Very interesting visit. A definite Thumbs up from me 👍👍👍

Cooper

Got a rare chance to step into Government House NSW – totally recommend it for anyone into old buildings and history. It's a close-up experience with this grand and elegant piece of architecture. A must-visit for history buffs!

Shelley C.

A beautiful house set in the Botanical Gardens. It is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are free but are provided on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available from the Gatehouse, which is next to the main gate.
You need ID when registering for the tour. For tourists, this means your passport.
On the day I went, the house had been opened to celebrate the coronation of King Charles, so I did not do the tour.
I was able to see a number of the rooms and the gardens. Staff were happy to discuss the rooms and answer any questions.
The tours accommodate the needs of people who have a disability. This includes people with vision loss or blindness. You are asked to advise the guides, at the time of booking, of your additional needs.

DR77

An interesting place; beautiful house, steeped in history and well worth a visit. Go for a guided tour if you get the chance, as our guide was a fountain of knowledge and easily answered any questions we had. Highly recommended, if you want to take in some culture while in Sydney.