January Open Day at Government House

Entry is free. Gates open at 10:30am and close at 3:30pm.

You will need to pass through a security checkpoint and bag inspection at entry. For more information, see entry requirements.

What’s on

Around the gardens, visitors will be able to enjoy live performances, free activities, and roving entertainment throughout the day.

Explore the historic State Apartments with a self-guided tour of one of Victoria’s most iconic buildings.

You can pack a picnic to enjoy with views of the city skyline and Government House, or purchase from food vendors and community barbeques on-site.

For more information and to view a map, download the Government House Victoria Open Day 2026 Information Pamphlet.

Accessibility

Government House Victoria has step-free access to the State Apartments via a ramp next to the Fountain Court.

Please note that Government House is located within a large garden precinct and movement around the grounds is suitable for mobility aids. However, some activities will take place on cobbled pavement and lawns.

While there is no parking available at Government House, limited metered accessible parking is available on nearby Linlithgow and Birdwood Avenues.

Accessible toilets are available within the house and grounds of Government House.

During Open Days, Government House can get very busy. For Open Day 2026, a designated Quiet Zone is available to rest and relax in a sensory-friendly environment.

A staffed marquee will be located on the main driveway with further advice and information on accessibility.

For further information about accessibility, please contact: info@govhouse.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).

Getting there

Public transport

You are encouraged to take public transport:

Both Flinders Street Station and Anzac Station are a 15 to 20-minute walk to Government House.

From Flinders Street Station, take the St Kilda Rd/Coventry St tram routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 and get off at Grant Street – Stop 17.

From Anzac Station, take the tram routes 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 and get off at the Shrine of Remembrance – Stop 19.

Parking

Parking will not be available at the House. If you drive, there will be limited metered parking on Linlithgow and Birdwood avenues.

Entry requirements

You will need to pass through a security checkpoint and bag inspection at entry. All items will be visually inspected by security staff.

Any item that, in the opinion of Government House Victoria, is hazardous, illegal, or could cause harm or public nuisance, will not be permitted in the venue.

Anyone seeking to disrupt the event – or who is displaying material intended to disrupt, offend, vilify or that is political in nature – will be managed in line with Government House Victoria conditions of entry. Items of this nature will need to be left at front gate security prior to entering Government House. People seeking to disrupt the event will not be permitted entry and will be asked to leave.

This is an alcohol-free event. Alcoholic beverages must not be taken into or consumed on the grounds of Government House, and alcohol is not available for purchase inside the venue.

See below for further information on entry requirements.

Entry requirements

Pets, Scooters and Bicycles

Please note, to ensure the safety of all visitors on Open Day, dogs – with the exception of assistance dogs – will not be permitted on the grounds of Government House.

E-scooters will also not be permitted entry.

Bike parking is available within the grounds of Government House. However, the riding of bikes is not permitted onsite.