Walking up from Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens, I expected something grander. Old Government House is surprisingly modest for what was once Queensland’s seat of power. Two storeys of white-painted sandstone, elegant proportions, lawns rolling to the Brisbane River. Inside, the rooms are furnished as they would have been when eleven governors lived here between 1862 and 1910.
Quick answer
Old Government House costs nothing. Admission is free for the house, the William Robinson Gallery upstairs, and all exhibitions. It opens Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm (closed Mondays and Saturdays). Free guided tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays but require advance booking. You don’t need to book for general admission. The house closes mid-December to mid-January.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Tue–Fri 10am–4pm, Sun 10am–2pm (closed Mon & Sat) | 2 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 (QUT Gardens Point campus) | Everyone | 30 minutes before closing |
How much does Old Government House cost?
Nothing. Admission is completely free for all visitors.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | Free | Everyone |
| William Robinson Gallery | Free | Everyone |
| Guided tours | Free | Everyone (booking required) |
Free guided tours run for one hour on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10:15am, 11:30am, and 12:30pm. Places are limited, so advance booking is essential through the QUT website or call +61 7 3138 8005.
Is Old Government House free to enter?
Yes. The entire house, all period rooms, the William Robinson Gallery upstairs, and temporary exhibitions are free. No donations requested.
What time does Old Government House open?
Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 10am to 2pm
Closed: Mondays, Saturdays, public holidays, and mid-December to mid-January
The reduced hours reflect the building’s dual role as heritage site and university venue. The house hosts weddings and events outside public hours, particularly weekends.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Not for general admission. For free guided tours, booking ahead is essential as places are limited.
Queensland’s first Government House
Built in 1862, three years after Queensland separated from New South Wales. Architect Charles Tiffin designed it in modest Italianate style: two storeys, wide verandahs, high ceilings for Queensland’s climate. Eleven governors lived here from 1862 to 1910, making it the social hub of colonial Brisbane.
In 1910, a new Government House opened at Bardon. The old building became offices before QUT restored it between 2006 and 2009. Historical research recreated 1860s-1900s interiors using period photographs and auction records.
Walking through colonial Queensland
Downstairs state rooms include the Drawing Room (formal receptions), Dining Room (seated 20 guests), Morning Room (family sitting room), and Library (governor’s office). All are furnished with Victorian pieces and period decorations.
Upstairs, the William Robinson Gallery showcases the Brisbane-born landscape painter’s work. His large, intensely coloured canvases depicting Australian forests create an interesting contrast with the colonial setting.
The surrounding gardens connect directly to City Botanic Gardens. The Kitchen cafe operates in the former service wing.
What’s included
Your free admission includes self-guided access to all ground floor state rooms, the William Robinson Gallery, period furnishings, information panels, QR code digital content, and surrounding gardens. Free guided tours (booking required) add historical context and stories about the governors.
Things to do nearby
City Botanic Gardens (immediate access) – Queensland’s oldest botanic gardens from 1855. Eighteen hectares along Brisbane River with heritage gardens, native plantings, walking paths. Open 24 hours.
Queensland Parliament House (200 metres, 3-minute walk) – State parliament from 1868 in French Renaissance style. Free 30-minute tours run daily. Photo ID required.
QUT Art Museum (adjacent) – Contemporary Australian art. Free admission. Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.
The Cube (150 metres) – One of the world’s largest digital interactive learning spaces on QUT campus. Free. Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.
South Bank Parklands (1.2 kilometres, 15-minute walk via Goodwill Bridge) – Artificial beach, lagoon pools, rainforest boardwalks, restaurants, GOMA, Queensland Museum.
Practical tips
Location: 2 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, on QUT’s Gardens Point campus.
Getting there: Ten-minute walk from Queen Street Mall. Buses 200 and 203 stop on George Street. CityCat ferry to QUT Gardens Point terminal.
Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes self-guided, one hour for guided tour.
Photography: Allowed for personal use. No flash.
Accessibility: Lift to upper floor. Accessible entrance via barn doors facing QUT Library. Call +61 7 3138 8005 for assistance.
Crowds: Rarely crowded. Weekday mornings quietest.
Facilities: Restrooms available. The Kitchen cafe serves breakfast and lunch. Gift shop. Free WiFi.
FAQs
Why closed Mondays and Saturdays? QUT uses the house for weddings and functions, typically on weekends. The reduced schedule balances public access with venue hire income.
What’s the Lamington connection? Legend claims the Lamington cake was invented here by Governor Lord Lamington’s French chef in the 1890s. The story is widely repeated but historically uncertain.
Is the guided tour worth doing? Yes, if you can book. Guides provide historical context and anecdotes you’d miss on self-guided visits.
Who was William Robinson? Brisbane-born landscape painter (1936-present), one of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists. His detailed forest paintings fill the upstairs gallery.
Can I walk from South Bank? Yes. Cross the Goodwill Bridge into City Botanic Gardens. Fifteen-minute walk.
More Queensland travel
Other Queensland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Six reasons to visit K’gari (formerly Fraser Island).
- Providence Whitsundays cruise: A day tour guide.
- The only Whitsundays tour that goes inside Hill Inlet.
- What to expect at Millaa Millaa Falls in the Atherton Tablelands.
- Plan your visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
