Walter Henry Barnes (7 September 1858 – 19 February 1933) was a longtime member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

He next worked for the Post Office, then in 1884 joined his brother's firm of Barnes and Co. Ltd., produce and general merchants.

With the exception of a break of three years, Barnes represented Bulimba and, later, Wynnum, in the Queensland Legislative Assembly until his death.

Then, in the Kidston coalition Ministry, he served as Minister tor Public Instruction, and had the distinction of piloting the University of Queensland Bill through Parliament.

He was defeated in the contest for Bulimba in 1915, but was again returned at the general election of 1918, and later became the member for Wynnum.