The grounds of Government House

The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land on which Government House sits. We recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region and acknowledge their continuing culture and contribution to this region. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Government House sits on 54 hectares (133 acres). 

There are:

• 12 hectares of cultivated garden areas
• 8 hectares of irrigated turf areas
• 30 hectares of drylands
• 4 hectares of buildings, roads, terraces and paths.

Government House is the official residence of the Governor-General. The building and grounds have transformed since a farmhouse was built in the 1830s. Today, in addition to being a residence tens of thousands of visitors come to Government House each year.