Convict Life at the Barracks
About the program
What was it like to be a convict living at the Hyde Park Barracks? Who were they? What crimes had they committed? What work did they do?
Using a range of historical sources, including the World Heritage–listed building, students investigate what daily life was like for the male convicts who lived at the Hyde Park Barracks. Many of these men had valuable skills and were doing important work for the government.
During this program your students will:
- learn about the experience of transportation from Britain to Australia
- investigate convict life in early Sydney
- have free time to explore new exhibits and spaces
They will handle objects, try out the convict hammocks, hear personal stories and learn about the punishments convicts faced if they broke the barracks' rules.
And they’ll get hands-on. After being issued with convict shirts marked with the broad arrow, they'll be put to work in a bricklaying gang under the watchful eye of their overseer.
Hyde Park Barracks
Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000- Wheelchair accessible
Cost (GST free)
From $282 for up to 20 students
See page for the full cost scale details
Duration
90 minutes
Session offered
Mondays to Friday
10am–11.30am
12.30pm–2pm
2.30pm–4pm
Maximum students
60 per session
Supervision ratios
The supervision ratio is 1:10 for primary groups and 1:15 for secondary groups. Teachers and parents attend free of charge at these ratios. One carer per student with special needs will be admitted free of charge
Additional visitor costs
Each additional visitor will be charged at the concession rate of $12
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