The Government Building is the official residence of the Governor of the State of Tasmania in Hobart. The luxurious building sits close to the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens within Queens Domain Park.
In 1805, Governor Collins, after two years of living virtually in a tent on the shores of Sullivan's Bay, moved into the first Government Building, a new wooden house. Over time it was enlarged with new wings added, but it remained a simple three-room cabin, open to the winds and rain.
The second Government building was built in 1817 at the junction of Macquarie Street and Elizabeth Street. This house already had 14 rooms spread over two floors, a man's room, a barn and stables. It was demolished in 1858.
The current Government Building is considered one of the finest viceroyal residences in the Commonwealth. Designed by architect William Kay, the building is also one of Australia's largest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1855 on a hill overlooking the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens and the mouth of the Derwent River. Sandstone was quarried here and the quarries were turned into ornamental ponds. Specially commissioned furniture was imported from London. In 1857, the building was completed.
The building contains 73 rooms, the most beautiful of which are considered the Main Hall, Dining Hall, Drawing Room, French Room, Ballroom and Orangery. To this day, the Government Building has retained its original appearance. Its staircase, lobby framing, corridor and front rooms together with the furnishings are unrivalled in Australia. Highlights of the building's exterior include bas-reliefs, striking stonework and custom-designed chimney caps. A traditional English garden surrounds the building.
