Stories from the archives

Normie Rowe.

A pop petition

When popstar Normie Rowe was conscripted, one teenage fan was determined to stop him going.

Prince Charles greeting a crowd.

A right royal birthday

On 14 November 2023, His Majesty King Charles III turns 75. The National Archives looks at his long association with Australia, as reflected in the national archival collection.

Children and adults gathered around a large cake decorated for the Legacy Club of Sydney..

A legacy of service and remembrance

Since 1923, Legacy has cared for the families of Australians who lose their lives or health through military service.

Dracula being melodramatic with arms outstretched.

Vampires and Censorship

The National Archives of Australia has a range of records relating to censorship in Australia. Looking at vampires in film highlights the fascinating documentation and artefacts found in the collection.

2 timber cutters operating a large handsaw to fell a Karri tree.

Audiovisual heritage: the Karri Forest

Near the historic timber town of Pemberton, and on the land of the Bibulmun/Piblemen people, the Karri forest features one of the tallest hardwood trees in the world.

The Blyther Star taking on water off the coast of Tasmania.

The sinking of the Blythe Star

In 1973 the Merchant Vessel Blythe Star sank off the coast of Tasmania. It was a tragedy that led to legislative reform that improved safety at sea.

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Sydney Opera House: Celebrating 50 Years

Sydney Opera house then and now.

Fuel shipped on the HMA LST 3501 for future ANARE ship visits, 1948. NAA: A1200, L10030

Seen on Heard

Among the routine scientific observations recorded by scientists during Antarctic expeditions there are unusually poetic descriptions that paint a vivid picture of subantarctic islands.

2 men looking down from the open cockpits of a biplane.

Rescue in the Antarctic

An expedition to find Lincoln Ellsworth and Herbert Hollick-Kenyon who flew a Northrop Gamma aircraft named Polar Star.

Detail and photo from Donna Anderson's immigration file.

Arrival at the end of the world

In 1959 Hollywood came to Australia. The National Archives has documents that form part of the continuing legacy of the cult film On the Beach.

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Shots after breakfast

A Commonwealth Customs file reveals a shooting spree at Riverton Station, South Australia in 1923.

Australian Imperial Force, Attestation Paper of persons enlisted for 'Home' Service.

Rejected recruits

Over 400,000 people enlisted to do their part in ‘The Great War’. Even more tried to sign up. Unfortunately, enthusiasm wasn’t always a match for the Army’s exacting standards.