Functions

Irwin Barrack was first established as a military training area in 1895 and transferred to the Commonwealth at Federation. Irwin Barracks has been the home of the 13th Brigade since 1948.

The site accommodates the 13th Brigade along with other units, veteran support services, training facilities, and accommodation. It primarily supports Army Reserve activities, with infrastructure including offices, classrooms, drill halls, workshops, stores and accommodation buildings.

Address

Samichon Road
Karrakatta WA 6010

Size

61.5 hectares

Occupants

• Australian Defence Force personnel: 150–200
• Australian Public Service personnel: 10–50
• Australian Defence Force Reserves: 1100–1150
• Cadets: 200–250

People are and will remain Defence’s most important capability. The Defence Estate Audit recommendations will enhance Defence work environments, ensuring our estate is a key point of attraction for and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of our workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.

Relocation

Irwin Barracks personnel will relocate to Palmer Barracks, 21 km away.

Cadet will remain in the region and relocate to Palmer Barracks or a new lease at a community venue or school. Defence will engage with potential venue to facilitate this.

History and heritage

The Australian Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, including museums. Properties on the Commonwealth Heritage List have protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Government has an obligation to protect the Commonwealth Heritage Value of a property as part of any sale. Alternative heritage management options will also be considered.

There is one Commonwealth Heritage Listing for Irwin Barracks, which comprises of two Army Magazine buildings.

The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society of WA / Royal Australian Artillery Association of Western Australia exhibit a small collection on the site. Public access requires escort / visitor sign in.

A relocation option for the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society of WA / Royal Australian Artillery Association of Western Australia collection is to move to the Army Museum of Western Australia (at Artillery Barracks, Fremantle) which is operated by the Australian Army History Unit.

Where feasible, collections will be retained and preserved on-site. The Government will also explore partnerships with heritage organisations and trusts to support heritage protection strategies.

Options will be explored with future owners to manage heritage obligations as a condition of sale.

By ensuring historically significant sites and collections are accessible to the community, we help foster understanding of Defence’s history, recognise the service and sacrifice of our people, and strengthen connection between the Australian Defence Force, the nation it serves, and the local communities we work within.

Community engagement will inform decisions on preserving and enhancing heritage presentation and public access.

Community information session

Community engagement was held in Perth on Thursday 11 June 2026. Feedback from the session highlighted several key themes including concerns about the relocation of the 13th Brigade, potential impacts on workforce retention and capability and the importance of ensuring future use delivers meaningful community benefits while preserving heritage and environmental values. Community feedback is informing transition planning and future use options.

Register to receive future updates about the divestment of Irwin Barracks.

Factsheet

Irwin Barracks estate audit factsheet (PDF, 148.59 KB)