Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Our Australian Capital Territory Office is located on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples.

We are open to the public every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Address

National Archives
National Office

Kings Avenue
Parkes ACT 2600

Get directions

Hours

  • Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm
  • Sat–Sun 9 am–5 pm

Research centre hours

  • Mon–Fri 9:30 am–4:30 pm
  • Sat–Sun Closed

Phone

02 6212 3600
Voices Gallery National Archives of Australia.

Exhibition

Voices / Dhuniai

Canberra

Visit the Voices exhibition to take a journey through the history of the Australian Constitution and the rights and freedoms it guarantees.

Connections gallery

Exhibition

Connections / Mura gadi

Canberra

The Connections exhibition reflects surprising and important connections between Australians and their government.

Tree branches and logs burning on a forest floor.

Workshop

My country burns

01 Feb 2025 - 05 Apr 2025

Canberra

Whether you're a budding photographer or simply passionate about nature, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn and connect with nature photography.

A class of young children gathered around a teacher seated at a piano shaking her hands.

Event

Murrulangalang story time

12 Feb 2025 - 17 Dec 2025

Canberra

Join us for a fun interactive session of songs, stories and more for your early learners.

World War 2 service womans paper file.

Webinar

From paper to pixels: the WWII digitisation journey

28 Feb 2025

Online

Join us for an inspiring showcase of our WWII Digitisation Project, a 5-year effort bringing to life a treasure trove of records and stories

People - Head of the Lake, Canberra - people line the bank of Lake Burley Griffin

Enlighten

Stories from the Archives

28 Feb 2025 - 08 Mar 2025

Canberra

Relive the charm of retro Canberra through captivating photographs and embark on a journey through Australia's rich history with National Archives at this year's Enlighten Festival.

Lantern workshop at National Archives

Enlighten

Lantern workshops

28 Feb 2025 - 08 Mar 2025

Canberra

Get ready to light up the night at this year’s Enlighten Festival! Join us at National Archives of Australia for the Enlighten Festival, for a fun craft workshop where you and your family can design and decorate your very own lantern.

2 actors on set

Webinar

Colour movie: right there on my TV

05 Mar 2025

Online

Celebrate 50 years of colour television in Australia by looking back at archival gems, iconic broadcasts and the politics of the era.

A protest march of people holding signs

Guided Tour

Skirt-suits and suffragettes

08 Mar 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Canberra

Explore the stories of significant women in Australia’s political history on our new walking tour.

COVID-19 safety updates

The National Archives manages its COVID-19 requirements based on ACT Health COVID-19 guidelines.

If you may have a contagious illness, 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 except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Opening hours are 9 am to 5 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. 

Cafe Constitution is open weekdays from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2:30 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 except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Opening hours are 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. 

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

Accessibility

Accessing the building

You can access the building via the:

  • main entrance on Kings Avenue
  • rear entrance facing the large carpark.

Parking

There are designated accessible parking spaces in the:

  • small carpark next to the main entrance
  • large carpark at the rear entrance.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets on the ground floor of the building

Parking

Limited parking on weekdays

Weekday parking near National Archives is currently limited. This is due to ongoing construction and temporary carpark closures.

You should arrive early to secure a parking space or consider other forms of transport.

For the most up-to-date parking information, visit the National Capital Authority's website.

Small carpark

There is a small carpark next to the main entrance.

It includes designated accessible parking spaces.

The small carpark is paid parking 7 days a week.

Wilson Parking determines parking fees.

Large carpark

There is a large carpark at the rear entrance.

It includes designated accessible parking spaces.

The large carpark is:

  • paid parking from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
  • free outside these times and on weekends.

The National Capital Authority determines parking fees.

Paying for parking

  • credit and debit cards
  • cash
  • mobile payment applications.
Parking map

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