Government House Open Days 2023

There hadn’t been an open day at Government House since 2017 due to roof restorations and COVID-19, but last weekend the gates were opened and thousands of people made the most of the perfect April weather to tour the House and Gardens.

Both days began with moving smoking ceremonies by Barry Winmar under the WA Weeping Peppermint trees in the Lady Kyle garden.

The Ballroom provided the perfect setting for musical performances by acclaimed pianists James Dekleva and David Wickham, before Humphreys Dance Studio took to the floor with a number of dazzling performances throughout both days. Students from Wattle Grove Primary School also came to show off their moves!

Our House tours were extremely popular, with huge numbers of people enjoying the grandeur of the rooms and learning of the history behind them. The Royal Room had an amazing display of military antiques from John Burridge and the Stirling Sword and cup from the Western Australian Museum.

Just outside the main doors were stalls by the Government House Foundation and Order of Australia Association alongside the Phaeton Carriage from the Revolutions Transport Museum, and Royal Rolls Royce from the WA Motor Museum – that stood proudly against the perfect backdrop of the house.

The Gardens were a hive of activity too, with musical performances by the WA Police Pipe Band and the Royal Australian Navy Band.

Girl Guides Western Australia and Scouts WA kept the kids busy with a raft of activities and games, while St John WA made sure that we’re up to date with our CPR and bandaging skills.

Those interested in history were well catered for in the Gardens too, thanks to the Western Australian Genealogical Society (Family History WA) and the Westralian Great War Living History Association who donned historic uniforms to really set the scene.

Rotary Club of Freshwater Bay made sure nobody went hungry with what many described as ‘the best sausage sizzle they’ve ever tasted.’

Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to make the weekend an overwhelming success, and we look forward to having another open day soon.