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The first major building constructed by the Queensland Government was Old Government House. Built from 1860-1862 at a cost of £17 000 and the residence for the first Governor, Sir George Bowen, was designed by the Colonial Architect Charles Tiffin. The symmetrical two-storeyed Italianate style house is one of Tiffin's best and most intact works, adapting English precedents to the sub-tropical conditions and built of local materials - sandstone, tuff, red cedar, hoop pine and cast iron - with a high degree of craftsmanship. The dual roles of private family residences and official office, and the separation of family and staff, are clearly expressed in the planning of the house and its elevations.
Guided tours of the house are available on request between 10.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Bookings must be made by phoning 07 3864 8005.
The self-guided and virtual tours detailed on this site describe the building as it was during its days as Government House from 1962-1910.
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