Open House With The Governor General

The Governor General of Australia opens their grand house once a year to the general public, the hoi polloi, maybe a few bogans. Anyone can wander the grounds, walk through the house, imagine what it's like to be hosted by the closest thing Australia has to royalty.

The big, lush, green lawn leads to the big house.

Before heading inside, the grounds are a good place to wander, lots of paths and sculptures. "Everybody into the pool!" One day a year means a bit of a land rush to go through the house. "Stay away from the stubbies in the liquor cabinet!"

Big dining room. Sarah, looking at the name tags and thinking to herself, "They forgot the H in my first name and butchered my last name. Again."

Domestic details. Guest book, signed by some UK bigwigs, Chuck and Cami. Art with a nod to Aussie heritage, wool.

Back outside, a lovely day for rubbing elbows and downing snags.