Hyde Park Barracks

Sydney, NSW

Museum
4 (5 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: Queens Square, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia How do we get there? Number: 2 8239 2311
Image copyright remains with original owners Attractions in Sydney All Photo
Suggest edit

About this activity

The Hyde Park Barracks  is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an extraordinary living record of early colonial Australia. It is also a cutting-edge museum. It was once home to convicts, an immigration depot, an asylum, a law court, and a government office, among other things.

A unique museum in Sydney's historic heart, where visitors can experience colonial Australia in an extraordinary way. It was initially constructed as a prison, but has also been utilised as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts, and government offices, among other things. It is one of the most popular museums in the entire city of Sydney, and when you visit you will see why.

It's a fascinating learning experience for kids, where they can really delve into the history of the country, as well as find out some fascinating stories of the people who changed the country!

A World Heritage listed museum, Hyde Park Barracks is actually one of the most significant convict sites in the entire world. Here, tens of thousands of people came to a crossroads, and it played a key role in the world's longest running system to transport convicts.

Kids - did you know that modern Sydney is actually built on convict foundations? Yep! And in the barracks, you are actually part of history. In 1819 the barracks was the home of convict men and boys, and 50,000 convicts passed through it's doors over the next 3 years. 

Today, you can actually visit the museum, and hear all about the stories of the people who came through it's doors. 

The exhibits within the museum really convey the history to kids. They can try on shackles, and even take a nap in a hammock! They can dress up just as the convicts would have been dressed, and even follow the Rat Tail through the museum, and win a fun stamp if they get all of the clues!

So why not visit and see why so many people consider this one of the "must-dos" within the city. Whether you live in Sydney, or are just visiting, it's history come to life once more, and you are becoming part of it!

Activity location

How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

$12

Hilton

Children

$10

Hilton

Free Under

5 years

Hilton

Last Updates

2023

Hyde Park Barracks FAQ’s

The cafe has closed at the Barracks, but there is a No.10 Bistro next door at The Mint if you need to grab something!

Umbrellas and bags over handbag size must be checked in and left.

They have a range of toys, games, books and gifts in the gift shop, all inspired by colonial times!

Their curriculum-linked programs for primary and secondary students explore what it was like to be a convict and investigate archaeological and historical processes. Tours for tertiary and adult education groups can be booked by appointment. Great for students to visit!

There are healthy options in No.10 for you - and of course plenty of options around the city!

The ground floor of the museum is accessible for wheelchairs and visitors with limited mobility. The upper floors of the museum can only be accessed by stair. There are accessible toilets in the rear perimeter buildings and the cafe.

What people are saying?

Rate & Write a Review

Your rating *

Review us on Trustpilot

We value your feedback, please take a moment to leave Familydaysout.com a review on Trustpilot.

Leave a Review