Hyde Park Barracks

A UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of contemporary Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary record of the living legacy of colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the Barracks also served as a women’s immigration depot and asylum, and later law courts and government offices.

Today this immersive museum tells the stories of the thousands of men, women and children held or housed there, and the Aboriginal communities profoundly impacted by the relentless push of colonial expansion. On display is evidence of the thousands of men and women who lived and worked through oral history, pictures, documents, artefacts, objects, soundscapes and the fabric and rooms of the building itself.

The Hyde Park Barracks experience uses immersive audio technology which is designed to make visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time in a self-guided tour. As you move around the museum, the technology can tell where you are and make sure that what they hear through the headset matches your location. The self-guided audio experience is suitable for ages 8+.

Hyde Park Barracks Kids Trail

Come on an adventure through time at the Hyde Park Barracks with a tailored audio guide and activity trail for kids. Hear the fascinating story of the Barracks as told in the words of convicts and immigrants who lived there, listen for clues and complete some activities as you move through the museum - spot the rats, draw your convict tattoo and more! The Kids Trail is suitable for kids aged 5-12 years.

Free entry. Open daily, 10 am–6 pm, last entry at 4.30 pm.

Location: Hyde Park Barracks, Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 200

ellaslist Opinion: Even very young children will love the idea that they are walking through a building that once housed convicts and pirates when they visit the Hyde Park Barracks. Kids (and grown-ups) can lie in a convict’s hammock, try on leg irons and look for distant relatives. This is a great place to spend and hour or so on a rainy day. Fun school holiday activities are held at the Museum, often with a role-playing element. Lots of fun.

Getting There: The Barracks are located at the north end of Hyde Park in central Sydney. It is less than a five-minute walk from St James train station (City Circle Line) or a ten-minute walk from Martin Place station (Eastern Suburbs Line). There is no public parking at Hyde Park Barracks Museum. The Domain car park (St John Young Crescent, Woolloomooloo, Entry via St Mary’s Road) is a 10-minute walk from the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. Metered street parking in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park surrounds are also available.

For more information, visit Hyde Park Barracks.

More Museums to Check Out

Museum of Sydney
Justice & Police Museum
Australian Museum

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