Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia

Closed Now

Opens Wed 10a

Independent
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms
Wifi

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“One of the most significant convict sites in the world”

The World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks is one of the most significant convict sites in the world.

A crossroads for tens of thousands of people, it played a central role in the world’s largest and longest-running system of convict transportation. Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, the Hyde Park Barracks housed 15,000 male convicts in government employment between 1819 and 1848.

Later it became a female immigration depot and a government asylum for infirm, destitute women. Explore the convict experience, lie in a convict hammock and discover the daily lives of other occupants at this popular landmark in the historic precinct of Macquarie Street. The Hyde Park Barracks Museum Shop specialises in books on Australian colonial history and also has a terrific range of books, toys, games and gifts inspired by convict and colonial times.

The Bakehouse cafe is also open daily. Entry also included with the Sydney Museums Pass

Reviewed by
Donna B.

January 07, 2023

A key historical building to Sydney's and Australia's history. The Hyde Park Barracks, built between 1811-1819 has been many things. Originally designed to house convict men and boys, on the... Read more

Reviewed by
David S.

April 14, 2021

This is another one of Sydney's many colonial museums. In fact, it wasn't until I started coming here more often than not that I started to discover a number of these places. Basically, this... Read more

Reviewed by
Barbara B.

May 24, 2023

Lots to learn about Australia's convict past, including incarceration of women. Interesting exhibits and posted information. Can proceed at your own pace. Read more

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