Old Government House, Belair National Park
Old Government House was devised as a summer retreat for the early South Australian governors, to escape the heat of the city. It was built in what was to become Belair National Park in 1860, originally called The Cottage it was in the heart of the park, and surrounded by bushland. However, after a decade or so, it was replaced by Marble Hill, which was designed as a grander governor’s residence in the Hills.
Over the decades many people have lived and worked in the buildings, adding to the history of the governors. In the 1960s after falling into disrepair, a campaign was launched to revive the site, turning it into a small museum, reflecting life from the Victorian era. It has over the years become a much loved icon in the local area, achieving State Heritage listing, and for the last 43 years has been under the custodianship of The Friends of Old Government House who preserve and care for the site to this day on behalf of the SA Department of Environment and Water.
Who are we?
We are a small but passionate team of volunteers, who on behalf of the SA Department of Environment and Water, maintain and care for Old Government House.
What do we do?
Many things!
We care for the collection contained in the buildings, managing their condition and how they are displayed.
We open the complex on the 1st and 3rd Sundays each month (except July and August). We are storytellers, and take visitors on guided tours of the House and Servant's Quarters and run a small kitchen to serve vintage styled Devonshire teas
We develop and look after the complex grounds, maintaining, developing and planting new garden beds.
