More than two weeks after being reinstated as Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd returned to The Lodge for the first time on Thursday.
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A spokesman said Mr Rudd and his wife Therese Rein hosted members of Canberra's diplomatic corps for an informal afternoon tea following his address to the National Press Club.
Yet to announce a move back into the official residence, Mr Rudd has preferred to stay at the historic Hyatt Hotel and recently listed his family's Yarralumla property for sale.
More than 100 members of the diplomatic corps attended Thursday's event, including US ambassador Jeffrey Bleich.
The 1920s Colonial Revival style mansion, only ever supposed to be a temporary residence, is due for significant renovations later this year with asbestos removed and the slate roof and internal wiring replaced.
Home to prime ministers and their spouses since Stanley Bruce and his wife Ethel in 1927, the building has not been without controversy.
Ben Chifley famously refused to move in and Mr Rudd reportedly referred to it as ''the new Boganville'' in 2011, during the occupancy of Julia Gillard and her partner Tim Mathieson.
After being deposed on June 26, Ms Gillard returned to her home in suburban Melbourne and is said to be considering moving to South Australia, to be closer to her elderly mother.
The former prime minister returned to social media on Thursday, using Twitter to acknowledge her supporters. ''Thanks to all who have sent notes and gifts. Deeply appreciated. Looking forward to time with family. See you all down the track,'' Ms Gillard tweeted.
Described as the ''official account of the 27th Prime Minister of Australia'', Ms Gillard's profile links to a new website juliagillard.com.au.
Including a large portrait photo of Ms Gillard taken on April 3, the basic website provides a contact form for her office and links to Facebook and Tumblr.
Mr Rudd is expected to leave for an official visit to Papua New Guinea on Sunday.
Ambassador Bleich used the occasion to make light of Wednesday night's security incident at the nearby US embassy, telling journalists that a man who drove his car into the main gate had come off second best.
''The gates won,'' he said.
