COVID-19 safety updates
Masks are mandatory for all indoor public venues in Canberra.
You will also need to check in using Check In CBR.
If you are feeling unwell, please postpone your visit. We would love to see you when you are feeling better.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work through this together.
Visitor information
Exhibitions
We have 2 permanent exhibitions highlighting stories from the collection: Connections / Mura gadi and Voices / Dhuniai.
All exhibitions are open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Cafe
Cafe Constitution offers great coffee and meals in a beautiful light-filled space at the heart of the National Archives. It's the perfect place to relax after checking out an exhibition.
Open daily from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Hours are subject to change – please contact the cafe on 0456 962 851 before visiting to confirm opening and closing times.
Research Centre
Our Research Centre is open Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
You will need to request records to view and book a time to visit in advance. Please complete an advance request for records and we will contact you to confirm your booking. Alternatively, you can email us or call on 02 6212 3600.
At this time, we are only accepting visits to view records. If you have a query about the collection, please ask us a question online.
As a COVID-19 health and safety measure, the number of researchers allowed in the Research Centre at once will be capped. While no time limits apply, researchers will be asked to leave the Research Centre between 1 and 1:30 pm while we undertake additional cleaning.
Find out more about the COVID-19 health and safety measures we have put in place.
Onsite accessibility
People who use a wheelchair can access the National Archives through the main entrance on Kings Avenue or through the rear entrance facing the Western Carpark entrance.
There are accessible toilets on the ground floor of the building.
Wi-fi access
Free wi-fi is available for visitors.
Getting here
Car parking
There are long-stay car parks on either side of the National Archives building.
The small car park at the National Archives' main entrance is PAID parking 7 days a week. This includes disability parking spots. See Wilson Parking.
The large car park at the National Archives' rear entrance is PAID parking from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, and FREE on weekends. See parking fees set by the National Capital Authority.
Both the main entrance and the rear entrance to the National Archives building are wheelchair friendly.
The ticket machines accept payment by credit card or coins, or you can pay via the appropriate app.
Buses
The National Archives is served by several regular bus routes.
The closest stops are at:
- Barton Bus Station (National Circuit)
- John Gorton Building (Parkes Place)
- Federation Mall near Parliament House.
Please check the Transport Canberra website for current route maps and timetables, or phone 13 17 10.
Taxis
Taxis can pick up and drop off passengers near the Kings Avenue entrance to the building.
Quote ‘National Archives of Australia, Parkes’ as the location.
Taxi companies in Canberra include:
Postal address
PO Box 4924
Kingston
ACT 2604