When Government House was completed in 1876, it was the largest governor's residence among all the colonies in the British Empire. Built in Italianate style, similar in design to Queen Victoria's palatial Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, its tower can be seen for miles.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) offers guided tours of the grand State Rooms of Government House and a unique opportunity to gain insight into the constitutional, ceremonial, international and community engagement duties of the Governor.

Visitors will be guided through the State Apartments which includes the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room and the Ballroom to learn about the history of the house and its relevance in today’s society. The tour will conclude at La Trobe's Cottage, the original home of Victoria's first Lieutenant-Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe.