Fernberg, Government House
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Government House (Fernberg) Brisbane

4.2
·43 reviews·Paddington, Australia

Official residence of the Governor of Queensland, offering historical tours and beautiful gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During Open Days

Unique events with extra activities

CrowdHigh
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Fernberg, Government House

Government House (Fernberg) Brisbane

Best Time

During Open Days

Unique events with extra activities

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Official residence of the Governor of Queensland, offering historical tours and beautiful gardens.

4.2
(43 reviews)

"A wonderful experience full of history, with knowledgeable guides and beautiful grounds."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pre-book Your Tour

Advance booking is a must for guided tours to guarantee your spot and enjoy the experience fully.

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds and house, so comfy footwear is key! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 43 reviews

Type

Local Government Office

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Government House Tour

Historic Government House Tour

Interior of Fernberg Estate

Explore the elegant rooms and learn about Queensland's rich history from knowledgeable guides.

Expansive Gardens & Bushland

Expansive Gardens & Bushland

Fernberg Estate Grounds

Wander through beautifully manicured gardens and discover remnant native bushland teeming with local flora and fauna.

Community Bushland Walks

Community Bushland Walks

Fernberg Estate Bushland

Join guided walks to explore the 10 hectares of natural bushland, a hidden gem close to Brisbane's CBD.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Tours

Pre-booking is essential for guided tours of Government House (Fernberg). This ensures you secure a spot and allows staff to manage group sizes for an optimal experience. Check their official website for booking details and tour availability.

Check for Special Events

Government House frequently hosts open days and special events, like Brisbane Open House or Coronation celebrations. These offer unique opportunities to explore the grounds and house, often with family-friendly activities. Keep an eye on their announcements for these exciting occasions.

Best Times

When
During Open Days
Why
Unique events with extra activities
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Crowd
Low
When
Brisbane Open House
Why
Free access to historic home
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NEW Paddington Airbnb in London 🐻✨ *press invite #paddington #paddingtonbear #airbnb #airbnbexperience #london #londonexperiences #thingstodoinlondon #londonhotspots #londontiktok
@runawaywithrachel
269.3K likes • 1.4M views

🎯 Pre-book Your Tour

Advance booking is a must for guided tours to guarantee your spot and enjoy the experience fully. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds and house, so comfy footwear is key! :athletic_shoe:

still emotionally recovering from paddington in peru 😭🧸 #maddiespostcards #foryou #london #paddingtonbear #primrosehill #paddingtoninperu
@maddiespostcards
110.5K likes • 674.5K views
The gates of Government House and the magnificent Fernberg Estate will be opened for the first Community Bushland Walk of 2024 on Thursday 14 March. This FREE event is your chance to explore the 10 hectares of remnant bushland close to the heart of Brisbane city and home to a vast array of native plant and animal species. It is timed to coincide with the lead up to Harmony Week, which celebrates...
qldgovernor
44 likes • 5.2K views

📅 Check for Special Events

Look out for Open Days, Bushland Walks, and Brisbane Open House for unique access and activities. Instagram+1

🚌 Public Transport Option

While the bus doesn't go all the way up, it's a viable option to get close, saving on parking. 🚌

On Tuesday April 15 visitors can experience Fernberg (Government House’s) newly opened scenic trails, winding through the Estate’s remnant native bushland. Click link in bio for more. Fernberg Walks Family Day Out Government House Estate 168 Fernberg Rd (via Gate B) Paddington Apr 15, 2025 10am-1pm Free entry @qldgovernor #brisbanewalk #brisbanebushwalk #brisbane
mustdobrisbane
117 likes • 11.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pre-book Your Tour

Advance booking is a must for guided tours to guarantee your spot and enjoy the experience fully. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive grounds and house, so comfy footwear is key! :athletic_shoe:

📅 Check for Special Events

Look out for Open Days, Bushland Walks, and Brisbane Open House for unique access and activities. Instagram+1

🚌 Public Transport Option

While the bus doesn't go all the way up, it's a viable option to get close, saving on parking. 🚌

📸 Capture the History

Bring your camera to document the beautiful architecture and stunning gardens. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(43 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Government House (Fernberg) for its informative guided tours, beautiful gardens, and the opportunity to experience a significant piece of Queensland's history. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer staff are frequently highlighted for enhancing the visit. While access is primarily through pre-booked tours, special open days offer a more relaxed and engaging experience for families.

"We had a wonderful and informative visit! Rob was very knowledgeable on the history of the gov house. He's entertaining, kind, and been taking care of the whole group. There were about 16 of us in the group. We felt pleasantly surprised from the moment we entered via the gate, when we were greeted by Paul the driver (very nice uniform, Paul!) who is multi-lingual and we had a lovely chat. He was super helpful and cheeky LOL! We started off with tea and coffee with a small biscuit inside the gov house, and her Excellency came out to greet us wow! It was a once in a lifetime experience! We finished off the visit in front of her Rolls Royce. Beautiful house full of history. Garden is gigantic, although due to the rain we missed out and could only had a glimpse of it from afar. It's still a wonderful experience though! Highly recommended!"

Win Arefta

"Did an inside tour during Brisbane Open House 2024. Got to see various parts of the house and hear about some of its history. Quite interesting and educational. There are history tours that run regularly so might look to do one of those at some point."

Winston Wong

"Government House is located at 168 Fernberg Road,Paddington QLD 4064.

This unique place was built in 1865.

It has, over the years, had extra extensions added, the first being in 1890 & then again in 1937.

I, along with 32 members from the Carseldine Probus Club, had the absolute pleasure of visiting this historic area of Brisbane yesterday, the 16th of October 2024.

Pre bookings are required to be able to enjoy the visit to Government House.

The volunteer staff who conduct the guided tours carry out their duties in a diligent manner. I was most impressed by the attention to detail.
One person in particular Judy had excellent knowledge & information on the history of this magnificent establishment.

The 45 staff employed to work at Government House in various roles ensure that everything runs like clock work 👌

Government House is a place where the general public can enjoy & take in the expansive surroundings & views of the Brisbane CBD.

The gardens are beautifully presented, with some of the best roses & assorted plants available.

There are some of the best kept, carefully manicured lawns in & around Government House.

The staff responsible for maintaining the grounds do a wonderful job 👏 👍

The current Governor of Queensland, Dr Jeanette Young, who has been in her role for 3 years has made sure that your time spent viewing the gardens or enjoying a guided tour throughout various parts of this establishment is an enjoyable experience 😀

Making the time to schedule a visit Government House is definitely something that you should put on your bucket list!"

John O'Brien

What People Like

Informative guided tours
Beautiful gardens and grounds
Knowledgeable volunteer staff

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Pre-booking required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Government House is located at 168 Fernberg Road, Paddington. While driving is an option, parking can be limited. Public transport is a good alternative; you can take a bus to a nearby stop on MacGregor Terrace and then enjoy a short walk up the hill to Fernberg. Reddit

Parking is available on surrounding streets, especially during regular visiting hours. For special events, parking arrangements may vary, so it's advisable to check event details beforehand.

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Brisbane CBD, taking approximately 30-40 minutes depending on your starting point. It's a great way to see the Paddington area.

Several bus routes service the Paddington area. You can alight at stops along Latrobe Terrace or Given Terrace and then walk to Fernberg Road. Check the Translink website for specific route information.

Yes, taxis and rideshare services can easily drop you off at the main gate of Government House on Fernberg Road.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Pre-booking is required for guided tours of Government House. While some special events like open days may be free, it's always best to check the official website for ticketing and booking information. Reddit

Opening hours vary depending on whether you are attending a guided tour or a special event. Guided tours typically run on specific days and times, while open days have set hours. Always check the official Government House website for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, Government House often participates in events like Brisbane Open House, offering free entry and guided tours. They also host special open days, such as for Australia Day or royal celebrations, which are usually free to attend. Instagram+1

It's recommended to book your tour as far in advance as possible, especially for popular dates or during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.

During special open days or events, you can often explore the grounds. For regular visits, guided tours are the primary way to access the house and specific areas of the estate.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can take guided tours of the historic house, explore the beautifully maintained gardens and expansive bushland, and attend special events like open days which often feature family activities and historical insights. Instagram+1

Yes, guided tours are a highlight, offering in-depth information about the history and architecture of Government House from knowledgeable volunteers. Reddit

Yes, especially during special open days which often include family-friendly activities like face painting and 'King for a Day' events. The grounds also offer space for children to explore. Instagram

A guided tour usually lasts about an hour, but you can spend longer exploring the gardens and grounds, especially if attending a special event. Allow at least 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit.

Photography policies can vary. Generally, photography is permitted in the gardens and grounds, but may be restricted inside the house during tours. It's best to check with your guide on the day.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During special events, food trucks and refreshment stands are often available. For regular tours, it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks, as facilities may be limited.

Picnics are often encouraged during special open days and events, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful grounds. Check event details for specific picnic policies.

Yes, the Paddington area surrounding Government House is filled with charming cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. You'll find many options within a short walking distance.

Alcohol policies can vary, especially during special events. It's best to check the specific guidelines for the event you are attending or inquire when booking your tour.

While you can bring your own water, it's generally recommended to consume food outside the main house areas to preserve the historic interiors. Check with your tour guide for specific rules.

📸 📸 Photography

The manicured gardens, the grand facade of the house, and the expansive lawns offer stunning photographic opportunities. Don't miss the views of the Brisbane CBD from certain vantage points. Reddit

Photography inside the house may be restricted during guided tours to protect the historic interiors. Always ask your guide for permission before taking photos inside. Reddit

Yes, drone usage is typically prohibited at Government House to ensure the privacy and security of the estate and its occupants. Please adhere to all posted signage.

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the house and gardens. Midday can be good for capturing details within the gardens.

Professional photoshoots may require special permission and booking. It's best to contact the Government House administration directly to inquire about their policy and any associated fees.

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