The Officers’ Quarters, built in 1832, is believed to be the oldest military building in Australia. It was one of several structures that formed a small military settlement here to prevent convicts escaping off the peninsula by land. The settlement also included a military barracks, store, guard house, jetty, sentry box, semaphore, and the infamous dogline.
A tethered line of fierce dogs kept constant watch for escaped convicts attempting to flee the peninsula by crossing the narrow isthmus. Today, a bronze sculpture at the site will help you decide what you might have done, back in the day. Martin Cash, the infamous bushranger, successfully passed the barrier by simply detouring out to sea.
The site closed its doors in 1877 and the property was taken over by private settlers. In 1991 it was purchased by the government.
The Officers' Quarters are located outside of the National Park and does not require a valid parks pass to visit.