Swan Barracks

Swan Barracks is a military heritage complex in central Perth consisting of multiple structures built from the 1890s onward. The main building features two stories of limestone with rock-faced finish and Federation Romanesque details, while the compound includes a drill hall, storage facilities, and administrative wings added at different times.

The barracks opened in 1896 as a military command center and remained in active use for nearly a century. The facility closed in 1993, ending its role in regional defense operations.

The barracks demonstrate how military institutions shaped the city's development and where the armed forces once operated from. Walking through shows how architecture reflected the importance of defense and order in colonial Perth.

The site is located on Francis Street in the city center and can be easily reached on foot with clear views of the stone facades. Plan time to walk around the various buildings and watch for uneven ground and historic steps.

The drill hall features a curved roof structure that creates an open interior larger than the exterior appears to suggest. This design allowed soldiers to train and maneuver in a spacious space despite the compact footprint.