Government House Adelaide Open Day

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Posted 2022-05-29 by Graeme Fanning ⇒ follow

Sun 05 Jun 2022

As part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations, Government House in Adelaide will be conducting a free open day, where the public will be able to visit the house, tour the many exquisite rooms and partake in afternoon tea, on Sunday 5th June from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Background

Did you know that our Government House in Adelaide is the oldest continuously used Government House in Australia as well as the oldest public building in South Australia?

Our vice-regal residence is currently occupied by our 36th Governor, Frances Adamson AC , who was born and bred in Adelaide and prior to being appointed into this important role was International Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff to both the Foreign Minister and the Defence Minister.

Her Excellency is our third female governor, after Dame Roma Mitchell (1991 - 1996) - first Female Governor in Australia, and Marjorie Jackson- Nelson ( 2001 - 2007).

When?

The open day at Government House will be on Sunday 5th June between 12 pm and 4 pm.

What?

The public will have the opportunity to receive a free guided tour of the house, visiting the public rooms, including the Ballroom, Governor's Study, Library, Adelaide Room, Morning Room, Drawing Rooms and both State and Hindmarsh Dining Rooms.

You will also have the opportunity to meet the Governor and her family, including the family Cavoodle, Alfie, during the course of the afternoon. An opportunity to find out more about the purpose and role of a governor in SA.

On display will be special memorabilia pertaining to Queen Elizabeth 2 and her visits to both Adelaide and South Australia, and in the Adelaide Room, you can even sit on the very sofa where the Queen sat to have afternoon tea during her last trip to Adelaide in February 2002.

Just outside of the house there is a relatively new statue of Queen Elizabeth 2, crafted by noted artist, Robert Hannaford back in 2020, which is quite life-like.

After your tour, there will be an opportunity to partake in some afternoon tea - tea and scones on the verandah of Government House, prepared by the vice-regal chefs.

Where?

Government House, North Terrace, Adelaide - entry will be via the North Terrace main gates.

The other celebratory event will be the illuminations of Government House from Thursday 2nd June up to and including Sunday 5th June 2022 from 5.30 pm until 8.30 pm. These illuminations will depict images of the Queen's 7 visits to South Australia over the years, using the facade of Government House as a backdrop.