Australia's governor-general, the local representative of the monarchy, officially resides in this waterside mansion (1846), best admired from the water. An annual open day, usually in November, lets you examine it at closer quarters.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sydney attractions

1. Kirribilli House

0.07 MILES

The official Sydney residence of the Australian prime minister, this Gothic Revival–style mansion is next to the Governor General's residence, Admiralty…

2. Kirribilli

0.19 MILES

The Sydney residences of Australia’s governor general and prime minister are located on Kirribilli Point, east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When in town,…

4. Sydney Opera House

0.4 MILES

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this magnificent building is Australia's most famous landmark. Visually referencing a yacht's sails, it's a…

5. Fort Denison

0.47 MILES

In colonial times this small fortified harbour island was a sorry site of suffering, used to isolate recalcitrant convicts and nicknamed ‘Pinchgut’ for…

6. Sydney Harbour Bridge

0.47 MILES

Sydneysiders love their giant 'coathanger', which opened in 1932. The best way to experience this majestic structure is on foot. Stairs and lifts ascend…

7. Luna Park

0.52 MILES

A sinister chip-toothed clown face (50 times life-sized) forms the entrance to this old-fashioned amusement park overlooking Sydney Harbour. It's one of…

8. Pylon Lookout

0.54 MILES

The views from the top of the Harbour Bridge's southeast pylon are well worth the 200 steps, though the entry fee seems steep. Museum exhibits and a short…