The Regency-style main barracks building, a remarkable structure from Hawkesbury sandstone, stands as a testament to convicts who labored on its construction between 1841 and 1846. The Officers' Quarters, the first component of the Barracks, saw completion in 1842.

In 1846, the grand Main Barrack Block emerged, designed to house an impressive 650 soldiers. In 1856, the iconic bell and clock were added to the building, which has since become an emblem of the Barracks. Originally, these quarters were occupied by regiments of the British Army, but in 1870, the British troops made their exit. From its inauguration until after the Federation in 1901, Victoria Barracks served as Australia's premier military training center.

Further exploration within the Barracks reveals more hidden gems of history. The bungalow, erected in 1847, was initially designated as the Barrack Master's Residence. Meanwhile, the Garrison Hospital, constructed in 1845, was designed to accommodate 36 patients. During the 1930s, the hospital transformed, reborn as an Officers' Mess, where officers dined and gathered.

The Barracaveks h two significant gates: the Queen Victoria Gate, located on Oxford Street, and the Convict Gate, situated on Moore Park Road. These gates stand as silent sentinels of the Barracks' storied past and are key elements of its charm.

Additionally, the Barracks is closely linked to an engineering marvel known as Busby's Bore, Sydney's second water supply. Convicts dedicated their efforts to its construction from 1827 to 1837, and an access shaft for this historic waterway can be found right at the museum, adding another layer of historical intrigue.

During a brief yet remarkable period in the 1930s, Victoria Barracks became the temporary home of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. The College relocated from Canberra to Sydney due to economic challenges brought about by the Great Depression. This period in the Barracks' history is a testament to its adaptability and significance within Australia's military heritage.

A visit to Victoria Barracks is a journey through time, unveiling the layers of history that have shaped Paddington and Australia. Its enduring presence as a cultural treasure within the heart of Sydney is a testament to its rich history and significance.