Canberra locals and visitors can hop on board a new exhibition at National Archives of Australia that explores the colourful history behind the Trans-Australian Railway.

Camel trains to steel wheels: life on the Trans-Australian Railway documents the events and challenges from the early years of Australia's most strategically important railway line that connected east to west.

From the construction effort and its diverse workforce to the unique lives of communities that sprang up along the line, this is a must-see exhibition for those who revel in Australia’s railway history through time and place.

The exhibition kicks off on Saturday 24 May at 10 am with a free community day at National Archives of Australia in Parkes with a host of train-themed activities, food and music.

National Archives Director-General, Simon Froude, said the exhibition had travelled up from Adelaide where it had been a runaway success.

'Exhibitions like these celebrate the unique characteristics of early Australian endeavours and communities and allow future generations to connect with them.

‘The collection held by National Archives is an invaluable resource for Australian history and heritage. Our archival records link us to our past and evoke a sense of time, place and community.

'This exhibition features fascinating archival records, photos and footage that capture the events and challenges from the Trans-Australian Railway's first 60 years, including its impact on First Nations people,’ Mr Froude said.

Opening in 1917, the Trans-Australian Railway line ran from Port Augusta in South Australia and crossed the Nullarbor Plain to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

Camel trains to steel wheels depicts a tough life on the line in outback Australia – spotlighting those who built, maintained, lived on and finally travelled on the line that connected east to west.

This free exhibition pulls into National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes ACT 2600 on 24 May and departs on 19 October 2025.

More information, including opening hours, is available on National Archives' website.

Interviews with the exhibition curator available upon request.