Ayers House

Ayers House was built by politician, financier and businessman Sir Henry Ayers over two decades in the nineteenth century (1850-1870). Much of the design is attributed to colonial architect George Strickland Kingston.

Ayers was premier seven times (including once for only three days!). After his death, the house had several owners and uses – such as ‘Austral Garden’, a short lived open air entertainment venue and the first headquarters of the Returned Servicemen’s League. In 1926 it was bought by the State Government and used as a nurses’ residence and school for the Royal Adelaide Hospital, opposite on North Terrace.

In 1973, South Australian Premier Don Dunstan was instrumental in opening Ayers House to the public as a restaurant and museum. Major conservation works uncovering more decorative painting beneath whitewash took place in the 1990s.

In 2021, National Trust’s tenancy was ended by the State Government. As a result of public campaigning, care of Ayers House was gazetted to the National Trust in the Ayers House Act 2024.

Ayers House is currently the headquarters of the National Trust of South Australia, as well as many vibrant public and private events.

Private Events & Hire at Ayers House is managed by Ayers House Weddings & Events – contact directly for pricing and packages.

Website: https://www.ayershouse.com.au/
Ph: (08) 8224 0666
Email: info@ayershouse.com.au 

A range of events are staged by the National Trust – explore What’s On here.

Private historical tours can be arranged by expression of interest.

Email: bookings@nationaltrustsa.org.au