Admiralty House

Welcome to Admiralty House, Sydney. We hope that your visit will be both informative

and enjoyable.

Admiralty House belongs to the Nation and has been used as the Sydney residence of

each Governor-General since 1913. The House has an interesting history including many

years as the residence of British Admirals of the Imperial Fleet. It is from this period that

the House derives its name. The stained glass windows in the Foyer reflect the coat of

arms of the various British Admirals who lived in the House.

The House is both a residence and a venue for the Governor-General to host official

events such as investiture and swearing-in ceremonies, Federal Executive Council

meetings, and events in support of community and charitable organisations, many of

which the Governor-General or Lady Cosgrove are Patron. Admiralty House has also been

used for Guest of Government visits, including visits by Her Majesty The Queen and Heads

of State during their visit to Australia.

Admiralty House is located within approximately one hectare of land most of which is

under cultivation. The grounds present an important backdrop to the House, its history

and geographic context in the heart of Sydney Harbour.

The majority of furniture and art work throughout the House are on loan from

organisations such as the Australiana Fund, the National Gallery of Australia and the

Parliament of Australia.

Enjoy your visit to the House and gardens. More information on the activities of the

Governor-General and the property can be found on our website at www.gg.gov.au.

Summary of the House ownership:

Aboriginal Occupation – Gamaragal people, pre 1788

Early Land Ownership – 1794-1842, originally 120 acres, successive owners: Lightfoot,

Muir, Ryan and Campbell.

Wotonga – 1842-1884: Colonial Period – 1842-1855 – Campbell, Gibbes, Travers; Victorian

Period 1886-1884 – Travers, Barney, Lloyd, Cadell MLC,

Admiralty House – 1885-1913 – NSW Govt/British Govt Admiral Tryon

Sydney Residence of the Governor-General – 1913-current

Admiralty House

Open Day

Admiralty House, Kirribilli

Entrance

1. Historic gates and Gate Lodge: built in 1891 in

the picturesque Gothic Revival style.

Australiana Fund

2. The North Lawn: originally featured a tennis

court (1855-1885).

Honours and Awards

3. Kirribilli Walk, Pergola: originally built in the

1950’s.

Tickets for House tour

4. Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta): planted by TRHs

Prince Edward and Prince George in 1891.

Toilets 5. Sea Gate: stone entrance to the eastern

terraced gardens.

Bike racks

6. Dragon Tree (Dracena draco) and Moreton

Bay Fig: date of planting early 1900’s.

� First Aid 7. Summer House: built in the early 1900’s.

� Information Tent

8. Eastern Pathways: highlighting the rocky

outcrop of the site, terraced palm gardens line

the walk.

House tours

9. The Quarterdeck: observation point over the

Harbour used by the various Admirals.

Bag check for House

tours

10. Southern Lawn: originally a croquet lawn,

now used for outdoor events.

Coffee van 11. Water Tank (underground): built in 1874 of

brick, holds 124,000 L. Still in use.

Rolls Royce

12. Admiralty House: original single story

dwelling, ‘Wotonga’ built in 1842, current

‘Italianate’ style house in 1891.

Food vendor The following notes are for information only;

areas are not open for public viewing

13. Kirribilli House: Official residence of the Prime

Minister. Built in 1854 by Feez, it is a twin gabled

Gothic style house.

14. Marine Barracks and Kirribilli Point Battery:

originally constructed in the 1850’s as part of the

inner defence to Sydney Harbour.

Drinks Vendor

Tables & chairs

Public access boundary

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