Government House, Melbourne facts for kids
Government House is a very important building in Melbourne, Australia. It is the official home of the Governor of Victoria, who is like the Queen's representative in the state. The current Governor is Linda Dessau.
This grand house is located in Kings Domain, right next to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. It first opened its doors in 1876. Before this, Governors lived in other places like La Trobe's Cottage and Toorak House.
A famous architect named William Wardell designed Government House. He used the Italianate style, which was popular at the time. It looks a lot like Queen Victoria's own home, Osborne House, in England!
For a while, from 1901 to 1930, Government House was also the official home for the Governor-General of Australia. This was because Canberra was still being built, and Melbourne was the temporary capital of Australia.
The Story of Government House
The land where Government House now stands was set aside way back in 1841. This was done by Charles La Trobe, who was the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria at the time.
Later, in 1857, Ferdinand von Mueller helped design the gardens around the house. He was the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Construction of the building itself started in 1871 and finished in 1876.
Before this grand house was ready, Governors lived in different places.
- From 1839 to 1854, they lived in La Trobe's Cottage.
- Then, from 1854 to 1874, they moved to Toorak House.
- Finally, from 1874 to 1876, they stayed at Bishopscourt before Government House was completed.
When Australia became a country in 1901, Melbourne was the temporary capital. So, Government House became the official home for the Governor-General of Australia. This lasted until 1930. Even after the new Parliament House opened in Canberra in 1927, the Governor-General still used Government House in Melbourne for a few more years.
During this time, the Governors of Victoria lived at a place called Stonington mansion. Since 1934, Government House has been continuously used by the Governors of Victoria.
Inside the Grand Building
William Wardell designed Government House in the Victorian Period Italianate style. It reminds many people of Queen Victoria's summer home, Osborne House. The building's fancy style shows how rich Victoria was during the Victorian gold rush.
The main building has three parts:
- A large south wing with a huge State Ballroom.
- A grand staircase that leads to the State rooms.
- Two-story apartments for the Governor and their family.
A tall, 145-foot belvedere tower rises from the building. It's a great place to see views from! Nearby, there's also a paved area called the mews. This area used to have stables, coach houses, and living quarters for staff.
The beautiful garden was designed by John Sayce in 1873. Experts say it's "the most intact 19th century mansion garden remaining in Melbourne." William Guilfoyle, who was in charge of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, made the garden even better. It has many old, beautiful trees, including conifers and Australian rainforest plants.
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Government House is often open to the public on Australia Day.
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The State Ballroom was once thought to be the biggest in the entire British Empire.
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The table in the State Dining Room can seat 54 people!
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The inside of Government House is decorated in the neoclassical style.
