Old Government House in Brisbane

Explore a piece of Brisbane’s history at Old Government House. The house reopened to the public in June 2009 as a museum, gallery, and venue for private functions. It is centrally located in Brisbane next to the City Botanic Gardens on the QUT Gardens Point Campus.

Old Government House

Built in 1862, Old Government House was Queensland’s first public building. Visiting this historic home gives a glimpse of what life may have been like for residents, guests and servants at a different time in Queensland’s past.

While exploring the vast rooms and rich interiors, visitors will find information about the house’s history and the nine Governors who resided there.

Signs outside each room explain the space’s purpose, such as when the house was a residence.

On the upper level, visitors will find the William Robinson Art Gallery, which showcases the work of contemporary Australian artist William Robinson. Discovering a space dedicated to visitors making their own art was a pleasant surprise.

Visitors can use computers in a small room off the central courtyard to take a virtual tour of Old Government House. A large image of the Brisbane River and Garden’s Point is also available, and visitors can scroll over it to discover significant buildings of the time.

The eighth Governor of Queensland was Lord Lamington. Were delicious lamingtons first created at Old Government House for an official event? During your visit, you can debate the evidence while enjoying a lamington from The Kitchen, a café off the central courtyard.

Musical concerts (some free), are regularly held at Old Government House. Check the website for more information on the current schedule of events.

Imagination Factor at Old Government House

Imagine you are Lord or Lady of the house as you sashay down the magnificent staircase. Play detective as you search for rooms in small, hidden corners leading off the servant’s back stairs or the below-ground cellar.

Accessibility at Old Government House

A taxi drop-off and short-term parking zone (5 minutes) is located outside Parliament House on George Street, a 5-minute walk from Old Government House.

Old Government House has two entry points. The accessible entrance is located by the barn doors facing the QUT Library. The main ground floor provides stair and lift access to the William Robinson Gallery on the upper level.

Some parts of the house are not accessible to people using wheelchairs. Call reception for further assistance at +61 7 3138 8005.

Old Government House Features

Accessible toilets
Historic architecture
Historic information
William Robinson Art Gallery
Guided tours
Virtual tour of the house
Cafe

Opening Hours and Cost

Old Government House is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am. to 4pm. and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Old Government House is closed on Mondays, Saturdays and Public Holidays.

Entry to Old Government House is free.

While You Are in the Area

The Cube is an impressive digital interactive display at QUT’s Science and Engineering Centre. It features 48 multi-touch screens spread across two floors and is free to visit.

Located in a heritage building near Old Government House is the QUT Art Museum. Its exhibition program is focused on contemporary Australian art and design.

Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens has a fun playground and an open-air cafe. The open spaces and shady trees make it the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

What We Thought of Old Government House

We found Old Government House more engaging than initially expected. My five-year-old son especially enjoyed the activity in the art gallery, the virtual house tour, and exploring all the different rooms.