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Collage of historic artefacts from Old Government House

Welcome to Old Government House

QUEENSLAND'S MOST IMPORTANT HISTORIC BUILDING

Interior of Old Government House as seen from the Kidney Lawn.

Located within the grounds of QUT's Gardens Point Campus, Old Government House is recognised as one of Queensland's most important heritage sites.

Browse this site to explore the House's history and our colonial past, and to discover what you might find on a visit to the House.


FACTS AND NEWS UPDATES

Serving the Governor

Servants, Old Government House

Working behind the scenes at Government House was a small army of servants who were crucial in keeping the lives of the governor and his family running as smoothly as possible.

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1960: Old Government House enlisted by National Trust of Queensland

Old Government House, The Hall

In 1960, Old Government House, along with five other buildings, was identified as a vital part of Queensland's built heritage.

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Social life at Old Government House in 1881

A Cotillion at Government House, circa 1881.

Historical Fact: A cotillion was a ball where young ladies were presented (debuted) in society.

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Old Government House wins Queensland Heritage awards

 Sir George Ferguson Bowen, his wife Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen

QUT's restoration and adaptation of Old Government House received the John Herbert Memorial Award, the grand award of The National Trust of Queensland Bendigo Bank Heritage Awards last night in Brisbane.

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William Robinson Gallery Official Opening

 Sir George Ferguson Bowen, his wife Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen

Art lovers from across Australia gathered on Wednesday evening (August 26) to celebrate the opening of a new gallery of works by William Robinson, at the recently-restored Old Government House.

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1862: First residents of Government House

 Sir George Ferguson Bowen, his wife Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen

Queensland's first Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, his wife Lady Diamantina Roma Bowen and their children were the first vice-regal residents of Government House. Governor Bowen was delighted with his new home, calling it "handsome", "commodious" and "beautifully situated".

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First lady of the house returns to OGH

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce unveiling the relocated Lady Bowen statue

A statue of Lady Diamantina Bowen, a significant figure in the history of Brisbane's Greek community, is officially relocated to her old home at Old Government House, on QUT's Gardens Point campus.

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Interpretative Centre lets children wander the 1900s

The Lamington

The interpretative centre in Old Government House is split into three rooms and tells the story of the building and the people who lived and worked there in colonial times.

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It's Lamington Day!

The Lamington

The Tearoom at Old Government House on QUT's Garden Point campus is celebrating the lamington with a special dipping on Friday, July 24 from 11am to 1pm

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Ghost sighting in Old Government House: mysterious figure in white pants

Circa 1869: servants gather for a photo

Old Government House's reputation as being one of the most haunted buildings in Brisbane has been confirmed, with two electrical contractors telling staff that they had indeed seen a ghost.

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Old Government House: A history of politics

Old Government House, interior view through open doorway.

As Old Government House opened its doors to host its first political meeting in decades, it is worth reflecting on the history of meetings past, if only as a nod to how far Queensland political life has progressed.

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Premier officially opens restored Old Government House

Old Government House, interior view through open doorway.

QUT has now opened doors to Queensland's grand colonial past, heralding a bright, new future.

The restored Old Government House was reopened by the Hon. Anna Bligh, MP, Premier of Queensland on Sunday 7 June, 2009 in the presence of Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley to mark the Queensland's 150th anniversary.

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Thousands turn out for Queen's Birthday weekend open days

After the official opening by the Premier in the morning of Sunday 7 June, Old Government House was opened to the general public to celebrate the Q150.

Once the formalities concluded, crowds began lining up outside, eager to be among the first to explore the newly restored House; over the two open days more than 4000 visitors toured the building.

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Visitor access to Old Government House will be restricted on Wednesday 10th February, Thursday 11th February and Friday 12th February 2010 due to a large function.