Government House, Victorian governor residence in Kings Domain, Melbourne, Australia
Government House is a grand Italianate mansion located in the Kings Domain of Melbourne. The complex is organized into three main sections featuring the ballroom, state rooms and private living quarters, all surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The site was set aside in 1841 for an official residence and architect William Wardell oversaw construction of the present building between 1871 and 1876. The mansion served both Victoria's governors and Australia's governors-general until the capital moved to Canberra.
The name refers to the official function of the building as the seat of governors-general and reflects the connection between local administration and the British Crown. The residence remains a symbol of state representation and continues to host official receptions and ceremonial occasions today.
The residence sits right next to the Royal Botanic Gardens and can be visited through guided tours available by appointment. The grounds follow the 1873 garden plan and provide a quiet retreat in the heart of the city.
When completed in 1876 the residence was the largest governor's house throughout the entire British Empire. The property still preserves the original landscape plan by John Sayce from 1873.
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