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Captain Phillip on his arrival with the First Fleet set up a canvas tent on the eastern side of Sydney Cove. This can be regarded as the first Government House of Sydney. He moved later into a house that was built on the corner of the Bridge and Phillip Streets. This was a two-storey Georgian building the foundations of which are now preserved in front of the Museum of Sydney.

The present Government House is situated on the rise above Bennelong Point. This two-storey Pyrmont sandstone building is a representative of the early Victorian Gothic revival architecture. The house was designed by Edward Blore, architect to William IV and later to Queen Victoria. The site was chosen in 1827, construction began in 1837 and the house was opened in 1843 with a grand ball on Queen Victoria's birthday, the Governor, George Gipps, being the host.

The opening took place at a time of depression and the press reported at that time the arrival of four uninvited guests at the party, they being Mortgages, Insolvency, Penury and Debt.