National Archives of Australia

The National Archives of Australia can best be described as the memory of our nation - collecting and preserving Australian Government records that reflect our history and identity.

Our collection traces events and decisions that have shaped the nation and the lives of Australians. Visitors are welcome to explore our collection, online or in person, to learn more.

As well as preserving our history, the National Archives plays a key role in helping to ensure the Australian Government and its departments are effective and accountable to the people.

The collection

the toys on this poster represent topics covered in the National Archives
Toys on this poster represent some of the subjects of our vast collection of Australian Government records.
From dramatic events that shaped the nation to decisions that touched the lives of individual Australians, the records the National Archives holds are about people - from the ordinary to the famous - and their interactions with the Australian Government.

The Archives is responsible for caring for the most significant records of the Australian Government. Most of these records were received, created or kept by government agencies. The archive consists of tens of millions of items, and includes records about immigration, military service, transport, Indigenous Australians, science and the environment and much more.

Search the collection - using: Basic search, Advanced search, NameSearch, PhotoSearch or Passenger arrivals index.

Using the collection - how to find and use our archival records

Australian National Archives

The National Archives has offices and reading rooms around Australia.

Adelaide

National Archives of Australia
Adelaide Reading Room is based at The State Library of South Australia
Corner North Terrace and Kintore Avenue,
ADELAIDE SA 5000
Tel: (08) 8204 8787
10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, closed public holidays.

Brisbane

National Archives of Australia
16 Corporate Drive
CANNON HILL QLD 4170
Tel: (07) 3249 4200, Fax: (07) 3249 4299
9am to 4.30pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, closed public holidays

Canberra national

National Archives of Australia
Queen Victoria Terrace
PARKES ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6212 3600, Fax: (02) 6212 3699
9am to 5pm weekdays, closed public holidays.

Darwin

Northern Territory Archives Centre
Kelsey Crescent
MILLNER NT 0810
Tel: (08) 8999 6890, Fax: (08) 8999 6905
9am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday, closed public holidays.

Hobart

National Archives of Australia
91 Murray Street
HOBART TAS 0
Tel: (03) 6165 5607, Fax: (03) 6233 7902
9:30am to 5pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, closed public holidays.

Melbourne

Victorian Archives Centre
99 Shiel Street
NORTH MELBOURNE VIC 3051
Tel: (03) 9348 5600, Fax: (03) 9348 5628
10am to 4.30pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, closed public holidays.

Perth

National Archives of Australia
384 Berwick Street
EAST VICTORIA PARK WA 6101
Tel: (08) 9470 7500, Fax: (08) 9470 7555
9am to 4.30pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, closed public holidays.

Sydney

National Archives of Australia
120 Miller Road
CHESTER HILL NSW 2162
Tel: (02) 9782 4900 , Fax: (02) 9782 4999
9am-4.30pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, closed public holidays