A view across the great West Lawn towards the State apartments' portico. The garden bed containing a coral tree becomes a prominent feature when viewed from the perimeter path.

Designed by J.J. Clark and built by the contractors Pearson and Downie in 1875, the gates were previously situated near the present roundabout at Linlithgow Avenue. Adjacent to the gate was a Guard House which conformed to the style of the house. Photographs of the time show the gates joined to a picket fence, with bluestone guttering outside.

On each side of the stone coat of arms is a carriage gate (not shown here) opening in the centre, and then a wrought iron wicket gate, which allows pedestrian access by footpath. The gates have six piers; the outer two do not have lamp adornments. The gates provide an appropriate and grand entrance to the grounds of Government House.

National flags of visiting Heads of State are flown from the flagpole on the gates when they are in residence; at other times the State Flag of Victoria is displayed.