Functions

Victoria Barracks Sydney was established is 1840, with the main barracks complete in 1848. The barracks was originally occupied by the British Army. It is a significant heritage site.

The site houses Headquarters Forces Command and Headquarters 2nd Health Brigade, provides office space, a museum, live-in accommodation and a site for Cadet training.

Address

Oxford Street
Paddington NSW 2021

Size

13 hectares

Occupants

• Australian Defence Force personnel: 200–250
• Australian Public Service personnel: 50–100
• Australian Defence Force Reserves: 150–200
• Cadets: 50–100

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 and is fit-for-purpose for both current and future members of the workforce. These improvements will strengthen the overall appeal of working for Defence.

Relocation

Consistent with the government response to the Estate Audit, consolidation of all domain headquarters to a single location will be informed by further analysis.

Victoria Barracks Sydney office administrative personnel will relocate to Defence Plaza Sydney, 2km away, where the current average daily work point usage is 40 per cent.

Cadets will remain in the region and relocate to Randwick Barracks, 7km away, or a new lease at a community venue or school. Defence will engage with potential venues 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, including:

• Retention of heritage elements.
• Adaptive reuse of sites to preserve heritage facades and certain characteristics of the buildings.
• Relocation and/or restoration of remaining buildings to preserve heritage values.
• Archival recordings of buildings.

There are 12 Commonwealth Heritage Listings for this site. Most of the buildings on the site are included in one or more of these listings.

The museum displays the history and heritage of the Army in New South Wales. The museum is currently open on Thursday 10 am – 2 pm and on the third Sunday of each month. Subject to the divestment process, the Victoria Barracks Sydney Army Museum could remain onsite and open to the public.

Public tours of the grounds are conducted by volunteers. Tours run on Thursday 10 am – 12 pm. Public access requires an escort and visitor sign-in.

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

By ensuring historically significant sites and collections remain accessible to the community, Defence helps 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.

Factsheet

Victoria Barracks Sydney estate audit factsheet (PDF, 152.25 KB)