Government House

The Governors-General residences provide an historical and cultural backdrop to many official functions held each year. On public days visitors and official guests can view the collections of Australian artefacts in the unique heritage buildings and gardens.

Government House is set in 53 hectares of gardens, lawn and parkland at Yarralumla, Canberra. It has been the official residence of the Governor-General in Canberra since 1927 when the Commonwealth Parliament moved from Melbourne to the national capital. At Government House, the Governor-General hosts visiting dignitaries, invests distinguished Australians with honours and awards, accepts diplomatic credentials and entertains Australians from all walks of life. Charitable events are also held in the grounds.

The Queen stays at Government House when she visits Canberra as do some visiting Heads of State from various countries.

The pastoral property of 'Yarralumla' dates back to 1828. Yarralumla has had various owners, one of them being Frederick Campbell who purchased the house in 1881. Frederick Campbell is the grandson of the merchant Robert Campbell who built Duntroon (now The Royal Military College) and who at one time owned the property that Admiralty House was built on. In 1891, Frederick Campbell built the three-storey house that is now the main part of the residence. The Campbell crest can be seen on the gables. The Commonwealth purchased 'Yarralumla' in 1913 after Canberra was chosen as the national capital site.

In 1925 work began to extend the house as the official residence of the Governor-General and numerous additions have been made since that date.