
Step back in time at Old Government House, Brisbane's 1860s colonial gem, now a museum showcasing art and history.

Must-see attractions
From TikTok & Reddit
Fewer crowds, better tours

Fewer crowds, better tours

Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Old Government House, Brisbane's 1860s colonial gem, now a museum showcasing art and history.
"A beautifully preserved piece of history, seamlessly blending the past with the present."

The free guided tours are a highlight, offering fascinating stories from knowledgeable guides .
Enjoy a coffee or light meal at the chic cafe located within the historic grounds.

4.6 · 270 reviews
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exterior and interior
Admire the beautifully preserved 1860s colonial architecture, a testament to Queensland's early governance.

Throughout the house
Engage with passionate historians like Katie who bring the building's stories and its former residents to life.

Gallery spaces
Explore a curated collection of art by renowned Queensland artist William Robinson.
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The free guided tours are a highlight, offering fascinating stories from knowledgeable guides.
Enjoy a coffee or light meal at the chic cafe located within the historic grounds.
The exterior architecture and gardens offer beautiful backdrops for photos.
Combine your visit with the City Botanic Gardens and QUT's Cube.
from all over the internet
The free guided tours are a highlight, offering fascinating stories from knowledgeable guides.
Enjoy a coffee or light meal at the chic cafe located within the historic grounds.
The exterior architecture and gardens offer beautiful backdrops for photos.
Combine your visit with the City Botanic Gardens and QUT's Cube.
Visitors consistently praise Old Government House for its free entry, engaging guided tours led by knowledgeable staff, and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The integration of the William Robinson art collection and the charming on-site cafe add to the experience. Some minor drawbacks include occasional uncoordinated security and potentially closed-off areas.
"The staff here are all very friendly. The first time I visited, I missed the tour time, but the guard kindly explained the schedule to me. Amazingly, he still remembered me a few days later, which made me really happy! He also speaks great Chinese—thank you!
A big thank you to Stephen for patiently guiding me through the tour. English is not my native language, but Stephen was patient and made the tour interesting. I really appreciate it! The glass from Queen Victoria, transported from the UK, was truly impressive. This experience will always be a cherished memory for me."
Litchi Headman
"Lucked out & arrived just in time for a tour. By the super enthusiastic & very knowledgeable house historian Katie. Was a real treat. The front of house team were fantastic also.
Definitely worth spending some time here (esp on tour) even if your time in Brisbane is limited.
Entry + tour both free!
I cannot believe the quality and quality of free museums across Queensland generally."
Sam M
"Did the Brisbane open House and did a full tour of this building with the curator Katie. How fabulous is this lady she knows the full history and almost every brick in this building bringing the building to life. Great building thank goodness we saved it from demolition. Thank you Brisbane open house for the opportunity."
Ludmilla Stepanow
Old Government House is centrally located in Brisbane, making it accessible by public transport. You can take a bus or train to the city center and it's a short walk from Queen Street Mall or Roma Street Station. The free City Hopper ferry also offers scenic views along the Brisbane River, with stops near the Botanic Gardens.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at Old Government House, several public car parks are available in the Brisbane CBD. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, Brisbane's city center is quite walkable. A helpful tip for navigating is that female street names (like Charlotte, Queen, Adelaide) run north-south, while male street names (like Edward, Albert) run east-west.
No, entry to Old Government House and its grounds is completely free. This makes it an excellent budget-friendly attraction in Brisbane.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during weekdays. It's best to check the official QUT Old Government House website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want to join a specific guided tour. Arriving a little early for tours is also a good idea.
Yes, Old Government House sometimes hosts special events, such as during Brisbane Open House, offering unique access and tours. Keep an eye on their website for announcements.
Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved rooms showcasing the history of Queensland's governance, along with the William Robinson art collection. The decor, carpets, and lighting in the entrance hallway are particularly noteworthy.
The tours are consistently praised for being engaging and informative, led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable historians who bring the building to life.
While efforts are made for accessibility, some older buildings may have limitations. It's advisable to contact the venue directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibition areas.
Yes, there is a chic cafe located on the grounds of Old Government House, offering a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy refreshments.
Old Government House is situated in Brisbane's CBD, which is packed with dining options. You'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars along Queen Street Mall and in the surrounding areas.
The exterior architecture, especially the grand facade and surrounding gardens, provides excellent photo opportunities. The interior, with its historic decor, also offers unique shots.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during busy periods or within specific exhibition areas. It's best to inquire with staff on-site.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit