Hyde Park Barracks

Hyde Park Barracks - a museum about itself

Front gate to the Hyde Park Barracks
Front gate to the Hyde Park Barracks cc licensed photo by Ben Garrett

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hyde Park Barracks has a fascinating history, having served numerous roles since opening in 1819. Located at adjacent to the northeast corner of Hyde Park this historical building was ironically designed by a convict (Francis Greenway) for convicts.

They barracks were designed to house up to 600 men, but the population of convicts housed there soon grew as high as 1400 men. From 1819 to 1848, it is estimated that up to 30,000 men and boys had been housed there.

In 1848 there was a huge need for women to be brought into the Colony due to a population imbalance and the need for more workers, servants and mothers. Due to this demand, Hyde Park Barracks became the processing centre for 1000s of immigrating women and even many children. In 1862 wards were added to the top floor for women with no means to support themselves.

In 1887 the Barracks were renamed Chancery Square and converted to Government offices and courtrooms where, over the years, thousands of public service employees worked out of cramped and run down offices.

In the late 1970s the Hyde Park Barracks were cleaned up and converted to a museum about their own amazing history. In 2019 the museum was closed to facilitate an $18 million upgrade to create an more contemporary and interactive visitor experience that includes over 4000 original artefacts.

A visit to the Hyde Park Barracks is well worth the nominal cost of admission.

Nearby attractions: Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Tower, and the Australian Museum.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Hyde Park Barracks Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Address: Queens Square, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 8239 2311

Official Website: Hyde Park Barracks

Hyde Park Barracks Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Located at Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺. An absolute Gem of a place, currently a must see for Australians to get more acquainted with our history. We were given a pair of headphones for the audio tour. It detected where we were in the museum as to what we told and it was from several different perspectives including convicts. The memorabilia was fantastic. You could spend hours there. The staff were very welcoming, friendly and patient with our group which included people in wheelchairs, who walked with walkers and other disabilities. The museum is very wheelchair 🦼 accessible as there was a lift 🛗 to take you to each floor. There’s toilet facilities including disabled toilets. It’s located directly across from Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral. You can walk from St James Railway Station. Parking 🅿️ is not good so I recommend getting public transportation. The tour and access to the Museum is FREE 🆓. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. A BIG Thumbs Up from me! 👍👍👍
Nerine Cummins - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Fantastic historical museum about how Australia was settled. Starting with the imported convicts and later people that settled this land. Wonderful audio system that is automated (definitely take this - makes the experience much richer), where you learn about the day to day struggles the early settlers/convicts endured. The sleeping quarters are a must-see to understand the rigours of life in early Australia. I found it very moving to be in the centre where Sydney had started, seeing the original barracks and church/courthouse that Macquarrie built all those years ago.
Ivy Mac - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Oh gosh. Sydney is known for great museums but this is just absolutely one of the best! What an immersive experience and you really feel like you talked into the past. And amazing stories too! I would definitely recommend it to everyone visiting the city!
Serene Hu - a week ago

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5 Star Rating 5/5 - Uncover Australia's captivating history at the Hyde Barracks Museum! "I had the privilege of visiting the Hyde Barracks Museum in Sydney, and I was utterly captivated by the phenomenal history within its walls. But what truly made my experience unforgettable was the expert storytelling that brought each exhibit to life. As I wandered through the museum, I was mesmerized by the narratives accompanying each display. The passion and depth of knowledge shared by the guides was inspiring, and I found myself deeply moved by the stories of resilience, hope, and perseverance. The Hyde Barracks Museum is more than just a historical site – it's a testament to the courage and determination of the ancestors and immigrants who shaped Australia. It's a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that forged the nation's identity. Preserving this history for future generations is crucial, and I applaud the museum's efforts to honor the past while educating the present. If you're interested in Australian history, this museum is an absolute must-visit. _Highlights:_ - Exceptional storytelling and guided tours - Poignant and thought-provoking exhibits - Rich history and cultural significance - A moving tribute to Australia's ancestors and immigrants - Expert staff and knowledgeable guides _Will I return?_ Absolutely! _Recommendation:_ Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Australia's fascinating history. Visit the Hyde Barracks Museum and let the stories of the past inspire and educate you. ❤️
Janice Haynes - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating How grateful and wonderful it is to be able to tour a UNESCO World Heritage site with a free audio guide. At the entrance, you pick up a self audio guide and step into Australia's past as you walk through. A well preserved record of the easily forgotten past of Australia and the convicts that were brought here. I recommend visiting with your child.
Helen Park - a month ago

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Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Light Rail L2QVB8 minutes
T2, T3, or T8St. James 2 minutes

How to get to Hyde Park Barracks by Train

By Light Rail L2: Exit at the QVB Stop, proceed north on George Street, and right (east) on Market Street to Hyde Park. Follow the path northeast to the Macquarie Street Entrance and cross Prince Albert Road.

By Train: Take T2, T3, or T8 to James Station and proceed northeast through Hyde Park as above.

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