In January 2023, I had the opportunity to visit the National Archives in Canberra. It was an extremely interesting visit.
To view records held at the site you do need to do some preparation and “order” the documents you wish to view.
The document I was most interested in was the naturalization certificate of my second great-grandmother which she received in 1911/12. Besides the certificate, there was the full application she had completed. When I opened the folder, it was an amazing feeling to touch the document that my second great-grandmother had completed and signed. I think I sat there in awe knowing I was seeing and touching the original documents.
If you need any assistance, the staff are excellent and go out of their way to assist where they can.
Pencil.
Oh, I nearly forgot – you can ONLY USE PENCIL and you cannot take your bags into the research rooms. There are lockers available. Just remember to collect your things when you leave.
Exhibition.
When I visited the site there was an exhibition called “Disrupt, Persist, Invent.” It was a fascinating look into Australia in an ever-changing world. Of course, there is the usual bookshop and an excellent café where I had lunch.
Website.
The National Archives has an excellent website that is easy to use. Here is the link to the site:
There are also some very good instruction pages which are easy to follow. I have provided some of the list as shown below:
Getting Started: https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/getting-started
What’s in the Collection: https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/whats-collection
Research Guides: https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/research-guides
Information Management: https://www.naa.gov.au/information-management
Of course, it’ll depend on what you are looking for and where.
Online.
Note most of the information is online. However, as usual, some things are not available so it is important to check with the archive to see if the document you’re looking for can be viewed. If you do not ask, you will never know!
Locations.
Also, remember there is a facility in each Australian State. I have listed the locations below:
- Parkes, ACT
- Chester Hill, NSW
- Millner, NT
- Cannon Hill, Qld
- Adelaide, SA
- Hobart, TAS
- North Melbourne, Vic
- Northbridge, WA
In the following link, you will find exact addresses plus opening and closing times:
Research Centres: https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/research-centres
If you live near one of these locations, I would suggest that you take a visit but, please be prepared before you arrive. In other words, as I stated before, do your research so you are able to view the documents that the site has available to you.
Explore and Discover.
Ancestor Family 
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