Located at the western end of St Georges Terrace, the Barracks Arch resembles a misplaced jigsaw piece.  No matter how hard you look, it just doesn't seem to fit.  To understand the logic behind this structure, you must delve into it's past.

With nearly 10'000 convicts sent to Perth between 1850 and 1868, the task of keeping them in order, was assigned to a special force of soldiers known as the Pensioner Guard.  These guys were veterans of wars such as the Crimean, and were offered the chance to settle in Perth, providing they guarded the convicts during the voyage from England.  The sentences of some of these convicts were so long, the Pensioner Force remained active until 1878.

The Barracks Arch.

The Barracks were built in 1863 to house the guards and their families.  Designed by Richard Jewell, the completed building had 120 rooms, and was a fine example of Flemish Bond brickwork. After the last guard left in 1904, the building was adapted for use by the Public Works Department.   They moved out in 1965.  In 1966 the wings of the Barracks were demolished to make way for the Mitchell Freeway.  Perth was expanding.

The Barracks during the 19th century. The Arch looks much more comfortable in it's surroundings.

Only persistent public outcry saved the front Arch of the Barracks from a similar fate.  The State Government was sent a clear  message, that it could no longer demolish Perth's heritage buildings without proper public consultation. The Arch rests today, where it did in 1863, only now not quite the building it used to be.    It stands as a reminder of Perth's convict heritage, and as a constant source of bewilderment for passing tourists.

The Barracks Arch and St Georges Terrace.  After  losing 120 rooms, the historic day tour was consolidated into a commemorative plaque. 

The Parliament House of Western Australia.
As seen from the Barracks Arch.

PERTH ALERT:  Have you ever felt the urge to chop down that annoying tree in your neighbour's backyard, just because it blocks your view across the park.   Well in 1966, the Barracks  obstructed the view down St Georges Terrace, as seen from the recently completed Parliament House.  With only the Arch destined to be saved, it was with some  dismay, that the State Government discovered it still ruined their view into the city.  Likewise, the office workers of St Georges Terrace are unable to secure a clear view of Parliament House.   Surprisingly no one has complained!

The Barracks: Then and Now.

The interrupted vista from the grounds of Parliament House. The Mitchell Freeway can be seen in the foreground.

So if the traffic lights turn red at the western end of St Georges Terrace, why not lower the car window, and take a quick visual tour of Perth's Barracks Arch.

LOCATION:  Corners of Malcolm Street, St Georges Terrace, and Elder Street, Perth.