History of Australia House

Australia House was opened by King George V on 3 August 1918, becoming Australia’s first diplomatic mission abroad. Established when Australia was at the heart of the British Empire, it was one of the first major construction projects undertaken by the Federal Government after Federation.

The building reflected our unique relationship with Britain while showcasing Australia in its details, with much of the stone, marble and timber shipped by sea from Australia during the First World War.

Australia House became home to Australia’s diplomatic, defence and trade staff and impressed visitors with its grand Exhibition Hall, library, cinema room and even a bank vault that once stored gold bullion.

More than a century on, it continues to stand a striking landmark and a proud symbol of Australia in London.

Architecture & Building of Australia House

Australia House was designed by Scottish architects A. Marshall Mackenzie and Son, selected through an architectural competition judged by leading artists including Bertram Mackennal, John Longstaff, George Lambert, Fred Leist and Arthur Streeton. The judges described the design as “a lasting monument to the importance of the Commonwealth and a splendid addition to the architecture of London.”

The Commonwealth of Australia’s chief architect, J. S. Murdoch, travelled to London to collaborate with the Mackenzie firm. Construction began in 1913 under builders Dove Brothers of Islington, though work was delayed by the First World War. Despite these challenges, High Commissioner Andrew Fisher and his staff moved into temporary offices on the site in 1916 while work continued around them.

On 24 July 1913 King George V, accompanied by Queen Mary and Princess Mary, laid the foundation stone. The ceremony ended with enthusiastic cries of “Coo-ee” from the predominantly Australian crowd, which The Daily Express described as “a long-drawn, plaintive cry … coming to Londoners’ ears with almost startling novelty.”

King George V officially opened Australia House on 3 August 1918, joined by Australian Prime Minister W. M. Hughes, High Commissioner Andrew Fisher and Minister for the Navy Joseph Cook.

A Home for Australians in London

For more than a century, Australia House has been a safe and welcoming base for Australians in the United Kingdom. During both World Wars, it served as a home away from home for Australian troops and as a headquarters. In the Second World War, the Boomerang Club was formed within the building, offering troops a place to relax, catch up on news, meet friends and attend dances.

From its opening until the 1970s, Australia House remained open to visitors and even served as a post‑restante for Australians collecting mail from home. Until the 1990s it functioned as a library, where Australians came to read newspapers from across the country. In the 1960s and 70s, adventurous travellers often gathered outside the building to buy or sell old Kombi vans for trips across the European continent.

Today, the High Commission continues this legacy as a hub in London, hosting cultural, sporting and policy events that showcase the best of our nation while strengthening the enduring relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom.

Bringing Communities Together

While Australia House has long been a place for Australia to conduct business in Britain, its greatest value has often been as a venue for the softer side of diplomacy.

It has hosted celebrations, citizenship ceremonies, memorial services and even fresh food markets, showcasing the very best of Australia alongside the very best of Britain.

Over the years, its visitors have included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester, Australian soldiers and veterans, sporting teams and heroes, politicians, business leaders, actors and of course our own serving prime ministers and cabinet ministers.

Entry Requirements: Timed Entry Tickets

Entry to Australia House will be by timed ticket only. All guests must secure a ticket in advance, and entry will only be permitted during the allocated time stated on the ticket.

Please note that all visitors will be required to pass through a security checkpoint on arrival, which may result in some queuing outside the building.

Guests must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry. For security reasons, large bags and suitcases will not be permitted inside the building.

What to Expect

Ticket holders will enjoy a self‑guided tour through some of the building’s most significant spaces, including the grand marble‑clad Exhibition Hall, which has featured in major films such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Wonder Woman. Staff volunteers will be stationed throughout to share insights into the building’s history, architecture and cultural significance.