Recognised as one of the State’s most important heritage sites, Queensland’s first Government House is located at Gardens Point, in the grounds of the Queensland University of Technology, at the end of George Street in Brisbane.

It became the city’s colonial hub upon its completion in 1862.

The building’s elevated location lead to its prominence during colonial times, as visitors and immigrants arriving by ship could easily see it.

The building’s palace-like appearance stood out, contrasting with the surrounding wooden huts, and represented the prosperous opportunities in store for newcomers to the city.

It was Brisbane’s first public building to be listed on the heritage register in 1978 and also the first of many domestic buildings designed by colonial architect Charles Tiffin, who was well regarded for his Victorian-era public buildings in Australia.

Tiffin gave the building a grand Greek Revival style design, but modified some of the conventional stylistic elements to better suit the local climate.

The house was used as the private residence and official state office of Queensland’s governors for almost 50 years.

The colony’s first governor to reside in the house was Governor Bowen.

After 1910 it became the University of Queensland’s initial building.

And from 1972 until 2002 it served as the headquarters of the National Trust of Queensland.

But the Queensland University of Technology is now the custodian of the property.

The building was extensively restored before being reopened to the public as a historic house museum in 2009.

The museum includes a multimedia centre, a private venue space, a cafe, and a gallery which houses the works of respected Australian artist William Robinson.

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