History

175 years of The Gov, 30 years of the best live music.

Since being taken over by the Tonkin family in 1993, The Gov has been Adelaide’s home for musicians and gig lovers alike. Between the breadth of local talent entertaining the Gibson Stage and the world-class musicians rocking across our Venue stage, The Gov has become a local haven for live, original music.

Built in 1848 the iconic venue has become a part of the fabric of Hindmarsh, with the institution’s signature facade unchanged throughout the 175 years it has been operating.

Over the last 30 years, acts ranging from Aussie legends like Paul Kelly, Hilltop Hoods and SIA to international hits such as Keith Urban and The Black Keys have all played their way across the iconic Venue stage - bringing world-class performances and unforgettable shows. Beyond our talented performers and fantastic local audiences the hotel has accumulated national acclaim over the last 30 years, brimming with awards and accolades throughout its hallowed halls.

The Venue offers the perfect atmosphere to catch an all-time favourite act, while the Gibson Stage is always heaving with local artists and community music groups catch up across a pint and a song in the Saloon Bar.

Adelaide loves The Gov, and loves to party where the rockstars play.

Best Entertainment Venue in Australia

In 2017, The Gov received both the AHA(SA) and National AHA awards for Best Live Music Venue, the inaugural national APRA/AMCOS Licensee of the Year award - which recognised our commitment to artists and their music rights - and was inducted into the South Australian Music Awards Hall of Fame.
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In 2016 we were honoured as the first inducted into the AMC (SA) Hall of Fame. In previous years The Gov has won the AHA National Award for Best Entertainment Venue in Australia in 2009 & 2012, the AHA (SA) Award for Best Entertainment Venue in SA in 2007, ’08, ’10, ’12, ’13, ’14 & ’15 and have been inducted into the AHA (SA) Hall of Fame for Best Entertainment Venue in South Australia in 2011 and 2015.

Regarded amongst musicians as the key home of live music in Adelaide, The Gov benefits from the continued support of many artists who come back year after year, at times to play multiple nights in one visit.

The Gov proudly operates on Kaurna Land - Always was, Always will be Aboriginal Land. We acknowledge that this land was never ceded and pay our respects to the traditional custodians and Elders past, present and emerging.