The Western lawn at Government House Victoria as viewed from the Fountain Court

Government House garden tours

Garden lovers can enjoy a tour of the Government House gardens

Garden tours are held every month at Government House, offering the opportunity to view magnificent lawns, specimen trees surrounded by large beds of trees and shrubs, and the Kitchen Garden.

The gardens also feature ceremonial trees planted by members of the Royal Family and previous Governors.

Government House garden tours are free. Bookings are essential.

About the tour

Tours start at 11:00am. Twilight tours run during the daylight savings period, starting at 5:00pm or 5:30pm. Guests are requested to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the start time to pass through security. Once the tour has commenced, late arrivals are unable to be admitted.

Visitors need to pass through a security checkpoint and bag inspection before entering (photo ID required). For security purposes, bags and backpacks will be stored in a safe location within the grounds.

The tour goes for about one hour and you will need a general level of fitness. There are some steps, small hills and uneven surfaces. Visitors should wear casual clothes with sensible footwear.

Book a tour

While each tour caters for up to 25 people, there are no group bookings available. Bookings close the day before the tour, or once the tour is full.

To book a tour, please visit Eventbrite for either a morning garden tour or a twilight garden tour and select your preferred date.

Book a morning garden tour

Book a twilight garden tour

Please note that tours may be cancelled in extreme weather or for operational reasons. We will endeavour to provide you with as much notice as possible, and offer alternative dates

Getting to Government House

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Public transport

You are encouraged to take public transport.

Train: Flinders Street Station is a 15 to 20-minute walk to Government House

Tram: Take the St Kilda Rd/Coventry St tram - routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 - and get off at the Grant Street - Police Memorial stop

Check the Metro Tunnel website for transport disruptions as part of the tunnel works.

Drive

Metered parking is available on nearby Linlithgow and Birdwood Avenues but there may be limited availability.

Disabled access

Government House has wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities.

Visitors with accessibility requirements or limited mobility are encouraged to contact the Office of the Governor ahead of time so appropriate resources can be put in place:

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