What is Kirribilli House?
Kirribilli House is the official Sydney residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. Located on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, it offers views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
The house was built in the 1850s in the Gothic Revival style. It was acquired by the federal government in the 1950s and became an official residence.
Kirribilli House is used by prime ministers when they are in Sydney, while The Lodge in Canberra is the official residence in the capital. Some prime ministers have preferred to live at Kirribilli House.
Admiralty House next door
Next door is Admiralty House, the Sydney residence of the Governor-General. Both houses are in the suburb of Kirribilli and are usually not open to the public.
Kirribilli House is often used to host official functions and visiting dignitaries. It is famous for New Year's Eve gatherings, when the house has one of the best views of the fireworks.
The building is heritage-listed, reflecting its historical and architectural importance.
Its waterfront grounds slope down to the harbor, and the house is a familiar sight for passengers on ferries traveling past Kirribilli Point.