The Sydney Traveler

Step back in time and discover Sydney’s convict past at the Hyde Parks Barracks Museum.

The site, built by convict architect Francis Greenway, housed 15, 000 male convicts between 1819 and 1848. Later it became a female immigration depot, before being transformed into a government asylum for destitute women.

The museum lets you immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating site. You’ll learn what it was like to be a convict, be spooked by the Soundscape, and discover the fascinating stories of the Barracks’ occupants. There’s also a free archaeological display on the ground floor which is sure to delight history buffs.

There’s plenty to see here, so when you’re getting peckish call in and visit the Hyde Park Barracks Café. It’s open from 9 am to 3 pm on weekdays and for lunch on weekends.

Take home a souvenir of your stay at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum Shop. It specialises in books on Australia’s colonial past and other trinkets commemorating this exciting period of Australian history.

Trading hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day
Location: Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Address: Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Public transport: The museum is less than five minutes walk from St James train station
Parking: There is no public parking at Hyde Park Barracks Museum. However, the Domain car park (St John Young Crescent, Woolloomooloo) and street parking in the Royal Botanic Gardens are a 10 minute walk away
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children and concession holders, $20 for families
Website: http://www.hht.net.au/museums/hyde_park_barracks_museum

Image source: Superciliousness @ Flickr

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