Royal New South Wales Lancer Barracks and Museum : Learning About the Light Horseman

Parramatta is the oldest inland European settlement in Australia and was settled by by the British in 1788, the same year as Sydney. It has a very rich history starting with the Darug people who lived here long before the British arrived. Having taught in the Parramatta area for more than a decade, I was aware of many of its special historic sites and have had my eye on sharing these with the kids for some time.

The Royal New South Wales Lancer Barracks and Museum is one such site that is well worth a little exploration. Nestled between the NSW Police Headquarters and Parramatta Public School, you’ll find its main gates directly across from Parramatta Train station and bus stop. I’ve only visited once around 10 years ago with a group of students. I was super keen for an adventure inside with the kids.

Dubbed as the oldest continuously occupied barracks in Australia, there were many surprises waiting for us that I certainly didn’t anticipate. As it is still in use by the military, we were only able to explore the grounds and the two storey museum. This was enough to get a glimpse of what life on the barracks may have been like and uncover a few of its secrets.

Built between 1818 and 1820 to house the British troops who garrisoned the then colony of New South Wales, I found the history of the site was at its most interesting when the Lighthorsemen/Lancers were stationed at the site. My entire knowledge bank of the Lighthorsemen has been accumulated from watching the Lighthorsemen movie and the Man From Snowy River II. I found my ignorance of Australia’s military history quite appalling and was glad that I could gain some learning from the experience along with the kids.

The bottom level of the museum explores the Boer War and First World War. You can view the uniforms, the saddles, equipment and a whole lot of documentation and memorabilia. If you look closely (or ask your guide) you can even catch a glimpse of two original Banjo Patterson poems that were written when Banjo stowed away on a ship headed to the Second Boer War in October 1899 with the Lancers.

The top level of the museum moves the visitor through the Lancers’ later history from World War II through to the modern era. You’ll see decommission machine guns, radio transmitters and uniforms at a mere glance. Explore further and you’ll uncover more secrets.

Both Master R and Miss N were probably most excited by the tanks and Land Rovers that they were able to touch and climb on outside around the back entrance. Many were under tarps, but those that weren’t were easily explored. They loved the visit.

If you are in Parramatta on a Sunday, head to the Lancer Barracks which is open most Sunday’s between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm.  A family ticket currently costs $15.00.