Admiralty House
About once a year, the closely guarded gates of Admiralty House are flung open and the public are invited to take a look around. I popped in on the most recent Open Day in May. Access to the house was restricted and no photography allowed but there was much to see and plenty to explore in the extensive gardens which tumble down the hill to the harbour, snap bang in front of the Opera house.
Admiralty House is the official Sydney home of the Governor General, currently David Hurley AC.
Built in the Victorian Italianate style, this originally private home was completed in stages from the mid to late 1800's and was originally named Wotonga. The name change came when it was acquired in 1855 to house the Admiral of the Day who resided there until 1913 when it was officially handed over to the Commonwealth.
The house serves as both a home to the Governor General and as the preferred site for official events such as swearing-in ceremonies and state visits. It is also often used to host community and charitable events.
When royalty comes to town, this is where they usually stay. Commonwealth cars can be seen weaving their way through the streets of Kirribilli, drawing a crowd as they go and journalists camp out for the duration. The recent visit of Harry and Meghan saw crowds gathering at the gates at all hours eager to catch a glimpse of the princess and her baby bump.
The interior of the house is tastefully decorated in a style to reflect the period in which it was built. Much of the furniture and art work are on loan from organisations such as the Australiana Fund, the National Gallery of Australia and the Parliament of Australia. The gardens while extensive, are not overly formal and it is a pleasure to wander the terraced paths that take you from huge native figs to flower gardens and vegetable plots, through to the secret back entrance to (though not quite into) Kirribilli House. And of course down to the water where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Opera House, Bridge and city skyline .For the New Years fireworks, Boxing Day ferry races, or for anything really, this is the place to be.