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COVID-19: Important information Get the latest updates on office re-openings and how you can continue to access your National Archives.
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Three women standing on a sandstone cliff above the ocean dressed in futuristic fashion.
Out of This World: Australia in the Space Age See how the space age captured the imagination of a nation and its people.
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#ArchivesAtHome Access to our buildings is limited for a while, but you can still enjoy the amazing national archival collection online.
Members of the Australian Women's Army Service.
Defence and war service records Explore our service records to learn more about your family's war history or commemorate ex-service members.
Aboriginal art and display
First Australians The National Archives holds many records relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their histories.
Indo-Chinese refugees arrive in Melbourne, 1979.
Citizenship records The National Archives holds a range of record relating to Australian citizenship, including naturalisation certificates and case files.
Cafe Constitution Coffee
Cafe Constitution Visitors to our National Office can grab a coffee and delicious meals from our beautiful cafe.
Board riding at Surfer's Paradise, 1977.
Connect with us online Explore the National Archives' other websites to delve deeper into our extraordinary collection.

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What's on

  • Three women standing on a sandstone cliff above the ocean dressed in futuristic fashion.

    Exhibition

    Out of This World

    Canberra

    29 Sep 2020 - 14 Mar 2021

    See how the space age captured the imagination of a nation and its people, from mid-century fashion and flying saucer societies to early satellites and rocket playgrounds,

  • Youths loiter on the south-east corner of Barrack and Wellington streets, Perth, c.1910

    Exhibition

    Perth: an Accidental History

    Perth

    08 Jun 2020 - 12 Feb 2021

    See your city through a different lens. View rare archival photographs of Perth dating back to the early 20th century.

  • Plans and elevations of Lytton Quarantine Station, Isolation Hospital 1913

    Exhibition

    Inside the Lytton Quarantine Station

    Brisbane

    17 Jun 2020 - 31 Dec 2020

    Situated at the mouth of the Brisbane River, the Lytton Quarantine Station was the first stop for many new arrivals to Australia.
    This exhibition explores the history of the station from its establishment in 1913 to the disposal of the land and buildings in the 1980s.

  • Cartoon illustration of a group of children.

    Event

    Preschool Storytime

    Canberra

    16 Oct 2020 - 18 Dec 2020

    Bring your preschooler and enjoy some great stories read by our enthusiastic staff.

  • Photograph of children at Scheyville Migrant Centre in 1957.

    Exhibition

    A Place to Call Home?

    Bundaberg

    09 Nov 2020 - 06 Dec 2020

    Rekindle memories with vivid photographs of life in Australia's migrant hostels.

  • National Archives Preservation Facility

    Event

    Design Canberra – in conversation

    Canberra

    25 Nov 2020

    As part of Design Canberra, join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role architecture and design play in caring for our priceless national collections.

  • Robbie the robot.

    Event

    Forbidden Planet

    Canberra

    28 Nov 2020

    Join us for the second movie in our afternoon series of cult sci-fi screenings. Presented as part of our 'Out of This World’ exhibition.

  • Two young children and their father opening presents by a Christmas tree.

    Event

    Queensland State Director’s 2020 Review

    Brisbane

    01 Dec 2020

    Come and hear the Queensland State Director give an overview of the past year’s achievements and our plans for the year ahead.

  • Documenting COVID-19 in Australia.

    Event

    Documenting COVID-19 in Australia

    Online event

    10 Dec 2020

    COVID-19 is arguably the greatest challenge facing Australia today. Documenting and preserving the effect of the pandemic on society is vital to ensure future generations understand its impact and how we responded.

  • Jane Fonda in a still from the film Barbarella, 1968.

    Event

    Barbarella – film screening

    Canberra

    12 Dec 2020

    See the cult classic film 'Barbarella' at the National Archives and enjoy a wine or craft beer.

  • Black and white photograph of Lydia Janovska sitting in a chair

    Touring Exhibition

    Spy: Espionage in Australia

    Geraldton

    23 Jan 2021 - 26 Apr 2021

    Revealed for the first time at the National Archives: the curious history of espionage in Australia. Developed in partnership with ASIO.

  • A woman wearing skirt-suit, boots and sunglasses reclining in a velour swivel chair on a beach.

    Online Exhibition

    #ArchivesAtHome

    Online exhibitions and events, archival photos, collection favourites, kids' activities and more.

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