Gardens & Grounds

The gardens and grounds of Government House, the official residence and workplace of South Australian Governors since 1840, is an important landmark that is steeped in historical, cultural and environmental significance.

The grounds have accommodated the functions of 35 Governors for almost 200 years and include original plantings of trees, including Moreton Bay Figs and Palms, as well as plants of botanical significance.

Bordered by King William Road, North Terrace, Kintore Avenue and the River Torrens, the total area of the grounds of Government House is 5.6 hectares.

Many of the trees located on the grounds are ceremonial plantings and include a descendant of the Lone Pine at Gallipoli planted by His Excellency Sir Eric Neal, and a Claret Ash planted by Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson.

The completion of the Eastern Wing of Government House in May 1849, also known as the Kingston Wing, resulted in the beginning of a proper garden in the grounds, with a sentry walk completed during this period.

The garden underwent significant changes between 1849 and 1855, including the beginning of a planting scheme involving the first Director of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, George Francis.

A boundary wall around Government House was constructed in 1849 and a permanent guardhouse, based on the same architectural style as the Hamilton Wing, was built in 1855.

The first of many changes to the boundaries of Government House occurred around the same period, with the widening of North Terrace and the continuation of King William Street.

In 2015, the Kintore Avenue boundary of the grounds of Government House was stepped back to enable the construction of the Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk.