Best Of Sydney Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Explore The Hyde Park Barracks Museum With Sydney Bus Charter

Designed by a convict architect, Francis Greenway, the brick building and compound of the Hyde Park Barracks was originally built at the head of Macquarie Street in 1819 to house male convicts. Currently it serves as a public museum, and is maintained by the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales.

The site is also listed on the Australian National Heritage, and is positioned on the World Heritage List of UNESCO as one of the renowned convict sites, being the best surviving example of extensive convict transportation and the majestic expansion of European rule through the labour of convicts.

If you are looking to explore the history of this region that was once a home to convict men and boys, make sure to choose bus charter in Sydney for a convenient and affordable group ride to the Hyde Park Barracks.

History Behind The Hyde Park Barracks

Following the orders of the then Governor Lachlan Macquarie, construction of the Hyde Park Barracks is considered as one of the most renowned works of Francis Howard Greenway, an England-born, Australian architect. Being a major male-convict barracks in the state of New South Wales, it accommodated convicts working as government employers around the city of Sydney, till the time it was closed in mid-1848.

Since then, it had an extensive number of occupants. For single female immigrants in quest of work as domestic servants and expecting family reunion, it was an immigration Depot from 1848 to 1886, and also an asylum from 1862 to 1886. Later from 1887 to 1979, government offices and law courts were based at this spot.

Transformation Into A Museum

Award winning architects Clive Lucas Stapleton and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer undertook adaptation and conservation work of the Hyde Park Barracks in 1991, which eventually won the Lachlan Macquarie Award in 1992. This newly renovated historical architecture is now a museum operated by Historic Houses Trust of NSW, and is a pure reflection of what it was truly like to be a convict in those days. You get an opportunity to discover the daily life of a convict through exhibitions of complex spaces, exposed layers of building fabric, excavated artefacts, an innovative soundscape, Australian convict system and the male convict labour force.

An interesting part of this museum is the recently launched 2-year program initiated by the Minister for the Environment, Mark Speakman by the name of ‘Unlocking Heritage’, which gives children an opportunity to experience living museums of Sydney. It allows students to put on convict clothing and sleep in the hammocks. This is an ideal chance to learn more about the history and life that once existed two centuries back.

World Heritage Listing

At the 34th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in July 2010, 11 Australian convict sites along with the Hyde Park Barracks were inscribed on the World Heritage List for being a masterpiece in connection with convict transportation. It was judged to be a surviving quintessence of European colonial expansion through the labour and presence of convicts. Old Government House at Cockatoo Island and Parramatta, along with the Old Great North Road are also included in the list.

Nearby Attractions

The historical region of Hyde Park is no doubt surrounded by some major city attractions that shouldn’t be missed out. Here are a few of these:

  • Bistro Mint

Tucked neatly on the first level of one of the oldest public buildings in Sydney, Bistro Mint at Macquarie Street is a mini-Paris of sorts. Set in a relaxed ambiance, this chic café serves modern French cuisine on week days. Breakfast is lined up with a scrumptious menu of omelettes, granola, muesli, toasted sandwiches and pastries, followed by a delectable lunch with salmon tartare, scampi in rosemary butter, mignonette and oysters as starters, with the main course of piece de resistance, veal cutlet stuffed with brie and tiger prawn-stuffed courgette flower. Given the laid-back atmosphere amid the historically rich surrounds, Bistro Mint is certainly one of most elegant architectural sanctuaries in the middle of Sydney.

  • St Mary’s Cathedral

Standing in the heart of central business district, the St Mary’s Cathedral is a statement of elegance and beauty. A wide generation of artists has bestowed it to their splendid gifts in glass and stone, crafting an innovative space of prayer and solace within the city. Representing the spiritual origins of Australian Catholic church, the Cathedral is one of the most precious historic buildings in Sydney, and the finest example of an English Gothic church.

Shaping the structure from the local yellow-block sandstone, it was the 19th Century architect, William Wilkinson Wardell, who dreamt of such a gothic masterpiece, which was eventually completed 100 years after his demise. Dedicated to mother Mary, the Cathedral invites all who visit this haven to realize their destiny and worth. Beyond the distinction of race, religion and community, we all are brothers and sisters.

  • Archibald Fountain

Considered as one of the finest public fountains in Australia, the Archibald fountain in Hyde Park was unveiled in 1932, just before the Harbor Bridge was opened. The structure was built with the legacy of Mr J.F. Archibald, and the design was crafted by a French artist, Francois-Leon Sicard. The idea to get the sculpture designed by a French architect was to honour the relationship that existed between France and Australia during World War I.

Laden with mythical creatures and various bronze sculptures of Greek Gods emerging out of a large rounded pool, the Archibald fountain is a spectacular sight to watch, especially at the night time, when the lights add to its elegance. Standing high upon a granite base, Apollo features at the centre. This is surrounded on the lower level of pedestals with several groups of sculptures, including that of Diana, the Hunting Goddess with a deer and hounds, the Minotaur and Theseus.

In case you are travelling to this spot in a big group, it’s advisable to avail Sydney bus charter for a hassle-free ride to the destination without having to break up the group. What’s more, it will be more cost effective!

Customer Testimonials

Thanks Bus Charter for a wonderful and such a smooth experience right from getting the quote to the actual journeys. Staff at your end has been very polite and the drivers for both journeys were cooperative and helpful. The coaches were in immaculate conditions. Looking forward to working with Bus Charter again.
Shaunee Bailey

The entire process of making a booking, paying and even making changes was incredibly easy. Price was very competitive and the driver was prompt…

Alison Gowland

Hi Shannen, Thank you for your email. The service was great from start (yourself) to finish with Bruce the driver who was excellent. We will definitely…

Michael Sib Siebel

Had a great experience and would definitely use your service again. The driver was on time, professional and polite. 03-03-2016

Laura

My guests had a wonderful time with punctual staff and excellent travel conditions. While I was busy losing my mind over other wedding items I am…

Leo

Great Bus ,Good Driver, on time, Perfect 13-04-2014

Erin

Thanks so much. Fantastic service received all the way from the initial quote to when the bus dropped everyone home. Will definitely use your company…

Janet

How easy was that! We needed some bused to move guests around for my daughter’s wedding, one bus there and two buses home. From the first inquiry…

Chrisi Reardon

Everything was great and I really do appreciate how promptly and courteously you handled our numerous changes and questions. Thank you very much…

Kathleen Smith

We had a wonderful time, Kumar (our driver) arrived for pick-up early, which was nice, so that I could go through some details, and he was so lovely…

Amy

We were very happy with the quick and easy response from BusCharter with our quote. We had no issues with booking on short notice. The driver was…

Caroline

Extremely professional and convenient. Our driver was incredibly polite. Would recommend buscharter for both work and social events. 17-03-2014

Fee Tufevski

Once again, the service provided by Bus Charter was second to none. The driver arrived on time, knew where he was going and was very patient on…

Chrisi Reardon

Everything was great and I really do appreciate how promptly and courteously you handled our numerous changes and questions. Thank you very much…

Lauren JD

We’d like to thank the Bus Charter company for their exceptional service on Monday 21st September 2015. You not only got us to our work function…

Amanda Hart

I couldn’t be happy with the service and the seamless way in which I am able to make bookings. The entire process from beginning to end is excellent…

Lynnette Riddell

We used Bus Charter for our Sales conference this past December. I would highly recommend them. Our bus driver was very professional, knowledgeable…

Tess

Hi, Booking number 2027. Our bus driver was wonderful! Jess was excellent and helped make the whole experience even better. Thanks for a great trip…

Brian Spencer

The driver was on time and everyone enjoyed themselves, We would have no issues commanding or ordering your services Regards Brian Spencer…

Mike Sergent

Hi Anna, Everything went very well – the quote was provided quickly, the bus driver called ahead to confirm pick-up details, and arrived on time…

Ed

From start to finish I received the best service. Our driver on the day was very friendly and professional. I’ll definitely be using you again for…

Emma

BusCharter.com.au was very easy to use and I would highly recommend your service. I always received a prompt response to my many queries and book…

Annie

The service we received was exceptional right from our inital quote through to the trip itself. Our driver was absolutely lovely. I will gladly…

Sue Hardy

First time use of this company for our pennants and very much satisfied. Driver promt and pleasant. I would recommend your company to anyone…

Sue Bertucci

Thank you to all the staff from Bus Charter for such professional and friendly service. Our driver today Vern was fantastic adding to a wonderful…

Jason Dingli

The service was excellent and Mark was extremely flexible and great with all the guys. I would highly recommend your company again. Thank you…

Kara Taylor

It was easy to book, they were quick with responses and were fantastic on the day. I would definitely recommend using them. 03-03-2016

Jenny Johnson Bloch

Booking a bus through Bus Charter has been a great experience from start to finish. They were obliging when i needed to make changes, the bus arrived…

Vetu-Ri Teariki

Very happy with the service provided by Bus Charter. The driver was on time, the bus was clean, comfortable and there were no issues during the trip…

Carine Ernest

We recently booked a bus for a hens function. The bus experience was excellent. Driver (Eric) was absolutely delightful, helpful, and efficient…