Government House Open Day

Welcome to the Government House Open Day!

We hope you enjoy the opportunity to tour the House, grounds and enjoy meeting the more than 40 community organisations with displays here. 

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.

Open Day map

1. Government House
2. Vista Lawn
3. Lakeside Lawn: Offering a unique and distinctively Canberran view, the Lakeside Lawn is used for ceremonial welcomes of visiting Heads of State
4. The Hasluck Rhododendron Garden: constructed during the term of Australia's 17th Governor-General, the garden features magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons.
5. Gowrie Garden
6. Bravery Garden
7. Stables: today the stables are used as a garage for official vehicles (including the Rolls Royce) and office spaces. The last Governor-General to keep a horse at Government House was Sir William Deane.