Admiralty House

Welcome to Admiralty House, the Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia. Perched on the tip of Kirribilli Point, this historic sandstone mansion offers one of the most iconic views in the world, looking directly…

We begin our exploration with the original core of the house. In 1842, the land was purchased by John George Dibbs, who commissioned the construction of a single-story cottage named 'Wotonga.' The stone used was Sydney sandstone,…

In 1885, the property was acquired by the New South Wales government to serve as a residence for the Admiral of the British Navy’s Australian Station. For nearly thirty years, it was the naval heart of the colony. …

The grounds of Admiralty House are as significant as the building itself. These heritage-listed gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring a mix of native Australian species and exotic plants from across the…

In recent years, Admiralty House has become a place that celebrates not just the history of the past, but the future of the nation. One such example is the hosting of events that support women’s sport, such as girls’ cricket. …

While the Governor-General is the face of Admiralty House, it is the dedicated staff behind the scenes who keep the 'North Pole' of Kirribilli running. This is a scholarly look at the 'applied' side of running a historic state…

To conclude our tour, let us look more closely at the fine details of the building’s architecture. The Victorian Filigree style is most evident in the ornate cast-iron verandas, which were a status symbol in the 19th century. …

As we conclude our journey at Admiralty House, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for this cornerstone of Australian heritage. We have moved from the early colonial dreams of a sandstone cottage to the grand naval…