Government House will open its gates and gardens for the latest Open Weekend on April 12 and 13 – allowing the people of WA to once again experience the history and elegance of one of Australia’s most historic homes.
Since opening its doors in 1863, the current Government House has been the home of every Governor sworn in to serve the people of Western Australia.
And since he took up office as the 34th Governor in 2022, Chris Dawson has vowed to make Government House as accessible to the public as possible – even though it is now his and his wife’s private residence.
In keeping with that aim, the House and many of its rooms, as well as the beautiful 3.2-hectare gardens, will be open free of charge on Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13.
And visitors will be greeted with an array of events and attractions to keep both young and old interested and intrigued.
Stalls from a stack of the Governor’s patronage organisations will give a unique insight into their invaluable work in the community.
The local Scouts and Girl Guides – organisations that both Governor Dawson and his wife Darrilyn are closely associated with – will also both be on site providing activities for all the family.
Vintage vehicles will be dotted all over the Government House gardens – cars, buses. Even the incredible Rolls Royce Phantom which used to be the Number One state car – and which has safely carried members of the Royal Family, Governors General, state Governors and numerous other dignitaries over 67,000 kilometres – will be back in residence for the weekend.
Members of the WA Branch of the Australian Garden History Society will be on hand to take visitors on a tour of the Gardens – including the magnificent rose garden, and an array of trees planted by various members of the Royal Family.
Inside Government House, visitors will be welcome to guide themselves around many of the rooms inside – including the incredible ballroom, the regal Royal Room, and even the Governor’s study itself.
Historic artefacts belonging to WA’s first Governor Sir James Stirling will also be on display, courtesy of the WA Museum.
For the first time, Government House will provide an artistic Quiet Zone, for visitors to unwind, relax, and reduce their sensory input.
And a string of performers, musicians and artists will be on show throughout the whole weekend.
Food and drink will be on offer, as will a stunning display of hand-crafted poppies made by the RSL WA Poppy Ladies to honour those lost or injured in wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations.
Opening hours on both days will be from 10am to 3pm. Free to everyone.
