School groups, community groups and members of the public are invited to take part in tours at Government House Victoria
The tours are led by a senior member of the Government House staff, offering a unique insight into the constitutional, ceremonial, international and community engagement duties of the Governor.
About the tour
Government House tours are free.
Tours run for approximately one hour and 30 minutes in length and include a visit to the Kitchen Garden.
Visitors will be guided through the State Apartments(opens in a new window) to learn about the history of the House(opens in a new window) and its contemporary role in Victorian society.
Guests are required to undergo security checks on arrival, photo ID is required. For security purposes, bags are not permitted inside the House. Bags and backpacks will be stored in a safe location within the grounds.
Given the size of the house and grounds a reasonable level of fitness is recommend. There are some steps, small hills and uneven surfaces.
Please note that tours may be cancelled for operational reasons. We will endeavour to provide you with as much notice as possible, and offer alternative dates.
Book a tour
General public tours
Tours for members of the public are offered on select Friday mornings from 10:00am - 11:30am for groups of 15 to 20 visitors. Guests are requested to arrive at 9:45am to pass through security (photo ID required). Once the tour has commenced, late arrivals are unable to be admitted.
Bookings are essential. To book a tour as a member of the public, please visit the Eventbrite page and select your preferred date.
Bookings are released three months in advance.
Schools and community groups
School and community group tours are offered on select Monday mornings, from 10.00am – 11.30am, for groups of 15 to 25 visitors. Advance bookings are essential.
Groups are requested to arrive at 9:45am to pass through security (photo ID required for adults).
For school groups, the tours are best suited to secondary students in Year 9 and above. Students must be accompanied by, and under the direct supervision, of their teacher/s.
To book a school or community group tour, please contact the Office of the Governor at info@govhouse.vic.gov.au. In your email, please include:
- Name of school or community group
- Year level and number of students (for school groups)
- Preferred tour dates (please provide a range of dates)
National Trust tours
The National Trust also holds regular combined tours of Government House and La Trobe’s Cottage.
Entrance fees are collected and used by the National Trust to maintain La Trobe’s Cottage.
Getting to Government House
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:
- Email: info@govhouse.vic.gov.au
- Phone: +61 3 9655 4211
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