Government House is the oldest public building in South Australia.

The first Government House was a crude thatched hut which was completed in April 1837. This hut sufficed for South Australia's first Governor and his family, however on Governor Gawler's arrival in October 1838, he agitated for a more "fitting" residence reflecting the position he held. Gawler's plans were not so humble and the first tender received by the board had Government House built of brick for 7000 pounds. The young colony could not support such a cost and as a cost saving measure the board decided that the residence should be erected from stone from a nearby Government owned quarry.

George Strickland Kingston was charged with designing Government House and Messrs East and Breeze were awarded the building tender. The house was completed in May 1840 and the original bow fronted wing shown in this image is considered to be an excellent example of a Regency style mansion.

In 1855 extensions were made to Government House which incorporated an official entrance. These extensions were made in the Italianate style and feature a portico, a Palladian window over the portico and heavily rusticated quoins.

Further extensions were undertaken in 1863 and 1875 and a ballroom was added in 1878.

Government house is listed on the Register of the National Estate and the South Australian Heritage Register.

Government House (Adelaide, S. Aust.)

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. From the ground up August 2004-