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Government House
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Government House

See all things to do
See all things to do
Government House
4.5
#47 of 738 things to do in Sydney
Historic SitesGovernment Buildings
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
How to get there
  • Circular Quay • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,528 within 5 kms
Aria Restaurant Sydney
3,157
0.2 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Spice Room
1,055
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Bennelong Restaurant Sydney
1,458
0.2 km$$$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Cafe Sydney
4,253
0.5 km$$$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Gelato Messina Circular Quay
360
0.5 km$ • Australian • Gluten Free Options
Four Frogs Creperie Circular Quay
469
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • French • Cafe
Opera Bar
2,048
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Bar • Australian
Graze MCA
520
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Quay Restaurant
2,075
0.5 km$$$$ • International • Contemporary • Fusion
Eastbank Cafe Bar Pizzeria
1,180
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • European
See all
Attractions
795 within 10 kms
The Opera House to the Botanic Gardens Walk
6,576
75 mScenic Walking Areas
Sydney Harbour
21,957
0.3 kmBodies of Water
Sydney Opera House
24,782
0.3 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Sydney Ferries
21,341
0.4 kmFerries
Shopper Hopper
80
0.2 kmFerries
Opera Australia
1,110
0.3 kmOperas
My Fast Ferry
479
0.3 kmFerries
The Australian Ballet
77
0.4 kmBallets
Justice & Police Museum
258
0.4 kmSpeciality Museums • Historic Sites
Circular Quay
4,358
0.4 kmPiers & Boardwalks
See all
See what travellers are saying
  • NJA_7
    London, United Kingdom984 contributions
    Historic Sydney
    Whilst strolling through Sydneys Botanical Gardens we stumbled on the Government House. As a lover of historic buildings, I was instantly intrigued by its history. Sadly we had missed all the tours for the day, so I would suggest booking online a few days before. The house was built in 1837 and opened in 1845 and is the home of the Governor of New South Wales.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 24 December 2022
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,782 contributions
    Striking building is Vice Regal residence
    This striking building was built in Gothic Revival style between 1837 and 1843. It is located adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Sydney Harbor. Government House is the residence of the Governor of New South Wales. This Vice Regal Residence is Heritage listed.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 23 January 2023
  • CasandraTP
    Sydney, Australia1,053 contributions
    Worth a visit
    Hidden in the botanical gardens, Government House is definitely worth a visit. If you are lucky enough, do the tour and hear the rich history this beautiful building has to offer. The gardens are also a beautiful place to stop and relax.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 March 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
273 reviews
Excellent
147
Very good
95
Average
28
Poor
2
Terrible
1
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia1,053 contributions
Worth a visit
Mar. 2023 • Family
Hidden in the botanical gardens, Government House is definitely worth a visit. If you are lucky enough, do the tour and hear the rich history this beautiful building has to offer. The gardens are also a beautiful place to stop and relax.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,782 contributions
Striking building is Vice Regal residence
Dec. 2022
This striking building was built in Gothic Revival style between 1837 and 1843. It is located adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Sydney Harbor. Government House is the residence of the Governor of New South Wales. This Vice Regal Residence is Heritage listed.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJA_7
London, UK984 contributions
Historic Sydney
Nov. 2022
Whilst strolling through Sydneys Botanical Gardens we stumbled on the Government House.

As a lover of historic buildings, I was instantly intrigued by its history. Sadly we had missed all the tours for the day, so I would suggest booking online a few days before.

The house was built in 1837 and opened in 1845 and is the home of the Governor of New South Wales.
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
magistros
Glyfada, Greece1,701 contributions
Feel like a prince
Sep. 2022
I was lucky and I was the only person at the guided tour of the building, for that I could take pictures. I nice place to see how British Aristocracy was living.
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B T
London, UK1,194 contributions
Worth going on the free tour
Oct. 2022
The building is old and in a victorian style and set in nice gardens. You can also go inside, but only on a guided tour. They are free and you just turn up. The guide was very informative and the tour was very good, it was great to see the interior and I would recommend doing.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,782 contributions
One of Australia's grand mansions
Jun. 2022
Government House is a grand Gothic Revival mansion which is the Office and Official Residence of the Governor of New South Wales. Government House dates from 1836, and is built alongside the Botanic Garden, overlooking Sydney Harbour. Government House is open from time to time, it's well worth a visit. Check on opening times before you go.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
Government House
Mar. 2021
This very grand building is near the Royal Botanical Gardens and also has an address of Conservatorium Road. It was built in 1837-1843 and is on the State Heritage Register.It is the vice regal residence of the Governor of NSW. It was residence of the Governor of Australia from 1901-1914
Written 26 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MN001
Kerikeri, New Zealand22 contributions
Tour of government house
Feb. 2020 • Solo
I happened to be here on one of the days that they were doing the free tours (Friday) and I would highly recommend it. The guide really knew his stuff and gave us all some great insights into the building’s history and present-day workings. No photography was allowed inside but he explained how we could grab some images from the website’s virtual tour which I’ve done. Highly recommended
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geographyguy_11
Brisbane, Queensland517 contributions
Australia Day Open Day
Jan. 2020
I was lucky enough to go inside on an Open Day held to make Australia Day. There was a sausage sizzle and a band playing in the garden, which had lovely views of the back of the Opera House and of Fort Denison and Sydney Harbour. Sitting in the shade watching the activity on the harbour with the jazz band in the background was a great way to survive the middle of the day heat. The state rooms of the house itself are very grand and well worth a visit on an open day or on a guided tour during the week. Highlights are the Main Hall, with the historic portraits of past governors and the coats of arms; the drawing room with portraits of Australia's first monarchs George III and Queen Charlotte, and the ballroom with the tiny Throne of NSW. Stupidly, I was allowed to take my camera into the house but not my camera case. The staff should be a bit realistic when getting people to cloak bags.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shirleym57
Northallerton, UK125 contributions
Don’t miss this.
Dec. 2019 • Couples
We happened to be able to do a free tour when we were visiting the Botanics. It was brilliant, only 45 minutes but the guide really knew her stuff and we learned so much about its history and the start of a new nation. Would definitely recommend .
Written 1 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Government House, Sydney

Frequently Asked Questions about Government House
Government House is open:
  • Mon - Thu 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Fri - Sun 10:30 am - 3:00 pm