Not far from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House government building, the facade of which goes directly to the Sydney Harbour. Once upon a time it was the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales, and today it is a museum, which, however, are regularly held government receptions.

The place of residence of the first governor of the colony of Arthur Phillip in 1788 was the construction of logs, covered with a tarpaulin. Then, in the place where today cross the street Bridge Street and Phillip Street, was constructed a solid building, which became a full-fledged residence of the governor. Its architect was James Bladsvort, under whose leadership was built most of the buildings of the colony between 1788 and 1800 years. The first building of the Government rebuilt and repaired the following eight governors, but on the whole remained in poor condition, and in 1846 was demolished.

In 1835, the British government decided that Sydney needs a new government building, and asked the architect Edward Blore Royal develop a project. Construction work began in 1837 - stone, cedar and marble for buildings transported from all corners of the colony. Already in 1843 in the new residence of the governor held a ball in honor of the birthday of Queen Victoria, although construction has not been completed. The first occupant of the building became Governor George Dzhipps who entered into it in 1845.

Government building made in the romantic neo-Gothic style - decorated with battlements and turrets has, it is decorated with portraits and costumes of his senior inhabitants. In 1873 the building was attached gallery, 6 years later added a porch, and in 1900-1901 expanded ballroom and the governor's office.

Half a century - from 1845 to 1996 - the building served as the official residence of the Governor of New South Wales. However, in 1996 the government moved to a nearby building to the Secretary General. Former Prime Minister Bob Carr explained these changes, "Government House should be associated with less pomp and ceremony, to be less burdened with legacy protocols, but to be in tune with the mood of the people."