Government House, Sydney

Government House, Sydney

Government House (GPS: -33.85964, 151.21484) is a historical building in the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, just south of the Sydney Opera House. It used to be the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales.

Captain Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales made do with a structure of canvas and timber erected in 1788. The following year a more permanent structure was erected of English bricks. However by the 19th century, it was in such a poor condition that it had to be demolished in 1846. Nonetheless that building chalked up a first in many architectural aspects for Australia, including having the first staircase in the continent.

The present Government House was designed by Royal Architect Edward Blore and constructed between 1837 and 1845. In 1843, even when the building was not yet fully completed, a ball was held there in honour of the birthday of Queen Victoria. The first resident of Government House, Governor George Gipps only moved in in 1845. It is set on spacious land overlooking Farm Cove on Sydney Harbour.

Government House was the venue of APEC Australia 2007. When not in use, it is open to the public and managed as a museum by the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales.

Government House is on the Map of Sydney, Australia

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