The National Archives of Australia (NAA) is the primary institution tasked with collecting, preserving and storing federal government records in Australia. They do this to “connect Australians with the nation's memory, their identity and history”[1].
First created as a part of the National Library of Australia, the National Archives developed into an independent agency in 1961 and its functions were passed into law in 1983.[2]
The National Archives of Australia is located in the national capital of Australia, Canberra, at Kings Avenue, Parkes, on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. The building is open 9-5 daily, however, the research room is not open on weekends.
NAA has regional offices in each state and territory[3], and many records are available in digital format via the NAA Website.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
HoldingsHoldings
The archive currently holds more than 45 million items, most of which date from Federation in 1901 to the present day[4]. These include records from all parts of the Australian federal Government, as well as those pertaining to:
- immigration
- military service
- transport
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- the environment
- communications
- security and intelligence
- foreign affairs
- the arts
- the High Court
NAA also holds private papers and records from other high profile Australians including Governors-general, prime ministers, ministers, High Court judges and senior public servants.
The NAA does hold some important Colonial records for the period 1877-1901 including:
- customs
- patents
- defence
- lighthouses
- naturalisation
- shipping
- postal and telegraphic services
Besides paper files, the NAA collection also contains:
- photographs
- audiovisual records
- sound recordings
- maps and plans
- posters
- objects
- digital records
Research GuidesResearch Guides
NAA has a comprehensive collection of 27 Research Guides that cover key areas of their collection including:
- immigration – British, Chinese, Jewish, child
- foreign relations – with Japan and Indonesia
- colonial administration – in Papua New Guinea
- military history – HMAS Sydney, Boer War, Japanese war crimes
- First Australians
- family history
As well as many other topics.
Electronic copies can be downloaded free of charge. Hard copies and electronic versions of records not yet digitised can be purchased directly from the archive.
Genealogical Research at NAAGenealogical Research at NAA
There are many records important for genealogical research at the NAA.
Passenger Lists & Arrival Records:Passenger Lists & Arrival Records:
The National Archives holds detailed passenger records for arrivals and departures at all Australian ports from 1924.
Before 1948, every passenger ship or aircraft captain provided a list of passengers on their vessel when they arrived. From 1948, air travel passengers filled in their own cards. Passenger lists on ships continued until 1965, when cards completely replaced lists for both air and sea travel.[5]
Shipping lists prior to 1924 may be held at individual state archives.
Naturalisation & CitizenshipNaturalisation & Citizenship
Before 1949, there was no legal concept of Australian citizenship. Every Australian was a British subject, including immigrants who arrived and became naturalised. On 26 January 1949, the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 introduced Australian citizenship. After 1949, immigrants could apply for ‘citizenship by naturalisation’. ... The National Archives holds Commonwealth naturalisation and citizenship records from 1904 onwards, …[as well as] naturalisation records for the Colony of Victoria from 1848 to 1903 and the Province of South Australia before 1904.[6]
Earlier immigration records may be held at individual state archives.
Military RecordsMilitary Records
The NAA holds a variety of military and service records for the Army, Navy and Air Force, covering the first and second world wars. The collection is presented in conjunction with the Australian War Memorial (AWM).
Search & Order RecordsSearch & Order Records
To search the NAA collection go to RECORD SEARCH. Some records have been digitised already — for example: all WW1 military records — and can be downloaded without logging in. However, if the record you wish to view has not yet been digitised, you will need to create a login to order a copy of the record. There is a fee attached to this service.
See alsoSee also
Each state and territory in Australia has its own State/ Territory Archives tasked with collecting and collating state government records. Local councils also have their own archives.
Explore more about Australian ArchivesExplore more about Australian Archives
- Researching in Australian Archives - Webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- Family Memories from Down Under - from the MyHeritage blog