COVID-19 safety updates
Our exhibitions in Canberra will reopen on 1 November. Bookings are required to visit.
Masks are mandatory. 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 two permanent exhibitions highlighting stories from the collection: Connections / Mura gadi and Voices / Dhuniai.
Our temporary exhibition, Underworld: mugshots from the roaring twenties, is showing until 21 November 2021.
All exhibitions are open Monday to Friday with 2 timed daily sessions: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Bookings are essential.
- Book for Connections / Mura gadi and Voices / Dhuniai
- Book for Underworld: mugshots from the roaring twenties
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 Monday to Friday 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 closed while we prepare it for a COVIDSafe reopening.
Check back here and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for updates. Online reference enquiries are welcome anytime.
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 carpark at the National Archives' main entrance is PAID parking seven days a week. This includes disability parking spots. See Wilson Parking.
The large carpark at the National Archives' rear entrance is PAID parking from 8:30am to 5:00pm 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