Bailed Up!

About the program

Students explore the impact of the gold rush on law and order in colonial NSW, investigating the threat bushrangers posed to successful goldminers and the consequences of their actions. The program includes object handling and hands-on activities using historical sources and settings.

Students will:

  • investigate the effects of the gold rush on colonial society and law enforcement
  • analyse primary and secondary sources, including historical artefacts and artworks
  • examine how bushrangers threatened goldminers and how police responded
  • explore the technologies used by miners and police.

The program concludes with a re-enactment of the 1866 trial of bushranger John Dunn, where students dress in costume and take on roles in a historic courtroom setting.

If applicable, prepare your group with a social story available under program resources. This resource supports teachers, including those working with students with differing learning needs.

Corner Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney NSW 2000

Justice & Police Museum

Corner Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Wheelchair accessible
Cost (GST free)
From $200 for up to 20 students

See page for cost scale details

Duration
90 minutes
Sessions offered
Monday to Friday

10am–11.30am

12.30pm–2pm

2.30pm–4pm

Maximum students
45 per session
Supervision ratios

The supervision ratio is 1:10 for primary groups and 1:15 for secondary groups. Teachers and parents attend free of charge at these ratios. One carer per student with special needs will be admitted free of charge

Additional visitor costs

Each additional visitor will be charged at the concession rate of $12

Browse all
Students sitting on the hillside, creating a watercolour painting of the view towards the Blue Mountains.
Onsite

A Colonial Eye

Students investigate the role of artists during the early colonial period and consider how they contributed to the development of the colony

Looking towards small cottage across paddocks.
Onsite

Expanding the Colony

Students explore the former farm and examine a range of sources to learn about the expansion of NSW in the 19th century and investigate its impacts on the environment, the people of the Boorooberongal clan and the colonisers

Two girls in school uniform making string in exhibition space with other students behind.
Onsite

Garuwanga Gurad (stories that belong to Country)

During this program at Museum of Sydney, on the site of first Government House, students have a unique opportunity to explore links between Indigenous and European histories, cultures and perspectives in the expanding Sydney colony of the 1800

Students laying in the hammocks at Hyde Park Barracks on the Home: Convicts, Migrants & First People Learning program
Onsite

History Adventures at the Barracks

Join us for a one-of-a-kind museum experience, where kids will discover what life was for the convicts at the Hyde Park Barracks!

Two girls dressed in costume in large dormitory style room.
Onsite

Home: Convicts, Migrants and First Peoples

What was it like to be a convict living at the Hyde Park Barracks?

Student and carer looking at convict bricks on wheelchair tray.  Cayn assisting.
Onsite

Making Connections accessible program

Onsite program at the Hyde Park Barracks for primary and secondary school students with access requirements