A Fun and Interactive Day at Hyde Park Barracks
Looking for an educational, exciting and free outing that the whole family will love? Yesterday, we visited the Hyde Park Barracks in Sydney, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience for the kids and adults alike!
Hyde Park Barracks is part of the Museums of History New South Wales and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, right in the heart of Sydney. With its rich history and immersive exhibits, it’s a must-visit for families keen to explore Australia’s colonial past while keeping the kids engaged.
What Makes Hyde Park Barracks Special?
One of the highlights of the Barracks is its interactive approach to storytelling. Visitors can choose between two recorded guided tours: one tailored for adults and another specifically designed for kids. The children’s tour simplifies complex historical concepts and adds a touch of fun to the learning process. Our two boys absolutely loved it!
The exhibits are hands-on and encourage exploration. The boys were fascinated by the re-created convict hammocks, the sounds of life from centuries ago, and the opportunity to imagine what it was like to live during that era. They could touch, listen, and even smell history—making it an all-encompassing sensory experience.
tips for visiting
- Book Tickets in Advance: To make the most of your day, visit the Hyde Park Barracks website to check ticket availability and opening hours.
- Tour Options: Choose the guided tour that best suits your group. The adult tour dives deeper into the historical significance of the site, while the kids’ version keeps it light, fun, and engaging.
- Interactive Stations: Don’t miss the digital installations where kids can learn about convict life and the evolution of the Barracks over time.
- Pack Snacks: While there’s no on-site café, Hyde Park is right next door, providing a perfect spot for a picnic or a post-visit playtime.
FREE ENTRY & ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
Hyde Park Barracks is open daily (10am–6pm), with last entry at 4.30pm. To make the most of your day, visit the Hyde Park Barracks website to check ticket availability and book ahead.
The following accessible versions of the self-guided experience are available:
- A mobility self-guided experience option for wheelchair users (the main Barracks building has lift access).
- Neck loops for hearing aid with telecoil (“T” switch). These are compatible with the audio device. Not suitable for visitors with pacemakers.
- An iPad with descriptive text for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- A descriptive self-guided experience option for visitors who are blind or have low vision.
things to note
Supervision: Children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Storage Lockers: Self-cloaking Yellow Box lockers are available on-site for storing personal belongings. It’s a good idea to download the app ahead of your visit for seamless use.
Facilities: Toilets are located in the rear building, including male, female, and ambulant toilets, as well as a family room with a change table. An accessible toilet is also available.
Hygiene: Hand sanitiser is provided throughout the site for the safety and wellbeing of visitors, members, staff, and volunteers.
why it’s worth the visit
Hyde Park Barracks does an incredible job of making history come alive. From convict stories to the fascinating role of the Barracks in housing immigrants, every corner of the museum is steeped in storytelling. It’s an ideal blend of education and entertainment. Our visit was a massive success, and we can’t recommend it enough.
If you’re looking for a day out that’s both fun and enriching, put Hyde Park Barracks at the top of your list. The kids will leave with a newfound appreciation for history—and you might just learn a thing or two yourself!
HOW TO GET there
Have you been to Hyde Park Barracks? Share your experiences in the comments below, or tag us in your photos on social media. We’d love to hear from you
The Barracks is located at Queens Square, Macquarie Street, just a short walk from public transport options like trains, buses, and ferries. Parking is also available nearby, though public transport is recommended.
- By Public Transport: The site is just a 5-minute walk from St James Station and a 7-minute walk from Martin Place Station. Nearby bus stops on Elizabeth Street at Hyde Park are also within a 5-minute stroll.
- By Road: Buses can drop off and pick up passengers on Prince Albert Road.
- Parking: While there is no public parking at the Barracks, limited metered parking is available in nearby streets around Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Regardless of how you choose to travel, Hyde Park Barracks is perfectly situated for a hassle-free visit.
