Anglesea Barracks

Architects: John Lee Archer, JC Victor, Richard Turton, Roger Kelsal (1814)

Architecture of the Colony

Step inside one of Australia’s most significant military places and discover more than 200 years of history hidden behind its sandstone and convict brick walls.

Established in 1811 and with surviving buildings dating from 1814, Anglesea Barracks is the oldest military barracks still in use in Australia. Its historic precinct includes the Guard House, Military Hospital, Soldiers’ Barracks, Drill Hall and Military Gaol, with many of the buildings designed by colonial architect John Lee Archer.

Look closely at the buildings and you’ll find traces of the people who have lived, worked and served here over generations. The precinct also contains Australia’s only surviving nineteenth-century military prison, offering a fascinating glimpse into the discipline and daily life of soldiers in colonial Tasmania.

Winding through the Barracks, this tour reveals the stories behind the buildings, from the lives of soldiers and prisoners to the changing role of the Australian military.

Come and explore this remarkable working heritage precinct, discover what lies behind its historic walls, and uncover the stories that have shaped Anglesea Barracks for more than two centuries.

Tours: Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 November 2025, 10.00am – 3.00pm