It is set in 53 hectares of grounds at "Yarralumla", which was a large farm on which much of present-day central Canberra now sits. The house itself is the former main house on the property, though it has been extended several times.
The House serves as the venue for the Governor-General's official business, including the Executive Council where decisions made by the cabinet are rubber-stamped, as well as the many receptions and functions hosted by the officeholder.
The Governor-General also has a house in Sydney, Admiralty House.
Government House in New Zealand is also the name of the official Wellington (primary) and Auckland residences of the Governor-General of New Zealand.