Victoria Barracks, Brisbane

The Victoria Barracks is one of Brisbane’s oldest buildings and was first built in 1864. Most of the buildings that can still be seen today date from around Federation at the beginning of the 20th century. In recent years parts of the unused barracks have been converted into a dining, shopping and cinema precinct, where you can sample some excellent Australian fusion food in a historically rich setting. The military section of the barracks is under the control of the Army History Unit and the Queensland Military Heritage Foundation.

Within the museum there are army paraphernalia and artifacts dating from the Boer War at the end of the 19th century through to the 1970s. You will find old army uniforms, photographs, medals, a wide range of weaponry and memorabilia. It provides a fascinating glimpse at life in the Australian army and the contributions that diggers from South East Queensland have made to national and international security. Since the barracks is still officially in use as a Tri-Service Institution, it is not open to the public during the week: opening times are Sunday 1pm to 4pm or at other times by appointment only. The barracks is on Petrie Terrace in Paddington and there is no entry fee.