Discover Sydney’s Convict History at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum

You can get in touch with Sydney’s convict history at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. It’s nestled in the heart of the now thriving cosmopolitan city, but the museum takes us us back to where it all began.

Convicts constructed the barracks way back in 1819. The design was the brainchild of famed architect Francis Greenway, and it operated as the main convict barracks in the state until its doors closed in 1848.

There was still life in the building yet though. Until it became a museum in 1978, the barracks enjoyed a colorful history as a female immigrant asylum, law courts, immigration depot, and government offices. If its walls could only talk!

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

The site is rich in history, but it’s presented in clever ways to ensure the experience never gets dull for young visitors. They can laze about in a convict hammock, be thrilled at the spooky SoundScape, and see just what it was like to live like a convict.

The onsite café, with its sophisticated menu and stunning sandstone surrounds, is also a great spot for enjoying breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum is one of just 11 Australian convict sites with world heritage listings. While you can easily explore the barracks on your own, guided tours are also available on request.

Trading hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm (except Good Friday and Christmas Day). The Hyde Park Barracks Café trades from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 3 pm on weekends
Location: Hyde Park Barracks Museum (map)
Address: Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Public transport: The museum is less than five minute’s walk from St James train station
Parking: While there is no onsite parking, the Domain car park is a 10-minute walk away. It also offers discounted parking to Hyde Park Barracks Museum visitors
Cost: Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children and concession holders, and $20 for families
Website: http://www.hht.net.au/museums/hyde_park_barracks_museum

Image source: Newtown Graffiti @ Flickr