GG opens Aussie Google HQ

The Governor-General makes an entrance.

Karim Temsamani, general manager of Google Australia and New Zealand, makes his announcement that Google will digitise archive issues of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age dating back to the late 1800s. This will include original photos and advertisements.

The Governor-General gives her official address.

Google Australia's head of engineering, Alan Noble, announces that Canberra's bus network as well as Sydney's light rail and monorail timetable information will be available on Google Maps later this month.

The opening was signed off by the Governor-General.

Googlers were placed at strategic locations to interact with the Governor-General.

Presumably what Google's offices will be like once the celebrations die down.

Inspecting some of the local Google doodles.

Unique touches are made throughout the offices, such as using a bathtub complete with rubber duckies as a conference room desk.

Another of the briefings for the Governor-General on the tour.

As expected, Google's office comes with a games room.

One of the lighter moments during the YouTube part of the tour.

Blow-up reptiles come fitted standard with any Google Australia office.

Learning about Google Wave.

There are some things that defy explanation, like why are there three members of Thomas the Tank Engine on the wall and no picture of Ringo Starr?

The Governor-General using a Google Android phone.

Don't you have a tent in the middle of your office?

Google Australia's tech support team show off their gear.

The upside-down meeting room is another of the office's unique touches.