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Chowder Bay
Today, the Gunners Barracks is a celebrated high tea, à la carte and wedding reception venue with commanding views of Sydney Harbour. Originally, however, the elegant sandstone structure formed part of the colony’s network of coastal defences.
The history of Gunners Barracks
In 1870, the British Government withdrew its troops from Australia and the colonies became responsible for their own defence strategy. Accordingly, the NSW government set about establishing an ‘outer line’ of defence on Sydney Harbour, with a focus on fortifying the main harbour headlands to the defend the colony at Sydney Cove. This strategy involved the installation of fortifications across the Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh peninsula, including at Georges Head. The Georges Head Battery included the Gunners Barracks, completed in 1873.
Constructed from locally quarried sandstone at a cost of 13,200 pounds, the barracks originally consisted of two parallel single-story buildings, separated by a flagged courtyard. The building nearest the harbour served as a barracks for artillery gun crews and was positioned behind a fortified, 7-metre-high retaining wall. Meanwhile, the rear building was a mess hall and kitchen, and backed onto a 15-metre-high rock wall.
A second storey was added to the rear building in 1891 to accommodate personnel from the newly established Submarine Mining Corps at nearby Chowder Bay / Gooree. From 1923 to 1944, the buildings were occupied by units associated with the Royal Australian Engineers – firstly, the Fortress Company Depot and later the School of Camouflage.
In 1944, a bushfire swept through the area, leaving the Gunners Barracks gutted and roofless. The buildings eventually found a new lease of life in 1955 when they were extensively refurbished and converted into an officer’s mess. Renovations included a connecting wing between the buildings that served as a dining room. From this time, the buildings were occupied by the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (1957 to 1985) and the Australian Army’s Training Command (1985 to 2002).
Heritage values recognised and preserved
In 2002, the Gunners Barracks was entrusted to the Harbour Trust and, in 2004, it was inscribed on the Commonwealth Heritage list. It has the distinction of being designed by James Barnet, the Colonial Architect of NSW from 1862 to 1890. Barnet also designed the second iteration of Macquarie Lighthouse in Vaucluse, which became operational on 1 June 1883. Like the Gunners Barracks, this iconic, 140-year-old tower is protected by the Harbour Trust.
Since being entrusted with the Gunners Barracks, the Harbour Trust has taken steps to preserve its heritage values and enhance its public amenity. Notable works include installing Welsh slate tiles to match the original roofing, replacing stone flagging in the courtyard, and carrying out repairs to the external joinery, windows, and doors. Further, the Harbour Trust has enhanced access to the iconic barracks by linking it to nearby walking tracks and installing stairs to the Gunshot Alley carpark.
‘The Gunners Barracks and the associated Georges Head Battery are both significant remnants of Sydney’s historic harbour defences,’ said Libby Bennett, the Director of Projects with the Harbour Trust as well as an award-winning heritage architect. ‘Through a number of conservation projects, the Harbour Trust has preserved the heritage values of the Gunners Barracks and taken steps to ensure this landmark can be adaptively reused for contemporary public uses that conserve its historic significance. We are proud to have contributed to its 150-year legacy.’
Anniversary celebration dinner (22 July)
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of their venue, the operators of the Gunners Barracks are hosting a special anniversary celebration dinner commencing at 6:30pm on Saturday 22 July. Guests are invited to partake in a 5-course degustation meticulously designed by head chef Steve Clarke.
Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a gastronomic journey in a historic setting. To secure your place at the Gunners' Barracks 150th anniversary celebration dinner, visit their website to make a booking.
