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Government House - night view showing the Italianate-style building constructed in stucco-rendered brick on a bluestone foundation. A flag flies atop the 48m ornamental tower.
State Dining Room image showing a long timber banquet table set for service, with numerous leather covered dining chairs. An emerald green carpet covers the floor.
State Hall showing ornately arched ceilings with an emerald green carpet covering the floor.
Ballroom showing the ornately moulded and painted ceiling and polished timber floor.
Drawing Room showing ornate decoration of moulded painted ceiling with a carpet whose pattern mirrors that of the ceiling. There are full length window curtains, a chandelier. A grand piano sits to the left of frame.
Government House - night view showing the Italianate-style building constructed in stucco-rendered brick on a bluestone foundation. A flag flies atop the 48m ornamental tower.

Government House Victoria

William Wardell 1872

Description

Victoria’s Government House, built between 1872 and 1876, is recognised for its historical, architectural, and aesthetic significance. According to the Victorian Heritage Register, Government House is considered to be one of the finest examples of 19th-century residential architecture. Built during the economic boom of the Gold Rush when Melbourne was transformed from a small capital in a fledgling colony into ‘Marvellous Melbourne,’ Government House reflects the high standard of design and craftsmanship of public buildings built during that period.

Designed in the Italianate style, the House is constructed in stucco-rendered brick on a bluestone foundation. The 48-metre-tall ornamental tower provides a central focus for the three sections of the house—the State Apartments, the Private Apartments, and the Ballroom. Government House is the official residence of the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC. The House is used extensively for the benefit of the Victorian community and is the primary venue for the Governor’s constitutional, ceremonial, community, and international engagement activities. It also houses the business offices for staff of the Office of the Governor.

What's On

Guests are invited to take a self-guided tour of the State Apartments, comprising the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room, and the magnificent Ballroom. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about the historical and contemporary use of the house, and the role of the Governor in our constitutional democracy.

Images: (1) Government House at night. Photo: courtesy of Government House Victoria. (2) State Dining Room. Photo: courtesy of Government House Victoria. (3) State Hall. Photo: courtesy of Government House Victoria. (4) Ballroom. Photo: courtesy of Government House Victoria. (5) Drawing Room. Photo: courtesy of Government House Victoria. (6) Government House at night. Photo: courtesy of Government House Victoria.

Important Details

Time & Date

Saturday 27 July
Open access 10am-4pm
No bookings required

ACCESSIBILITY

Fully wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking nearby

Location

1 Government House Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004

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