About the Victorian Archives Centre
The Victorian Archives Centre is operated jointly by the National Archives and the Public Record Office Victoria (PROV).
Researchers can access both Commonwealth and state records from the one location.
For more information about the records collection of the Public Record Office Victoria, visit their website at prov.vic.gov.au
The National Archives' collection in Melbourne
Our collection in Victoria has a huge variety of Australian Government records, including many surprising ones.
Melbourne was the seat of the Australian Government until 1927 and remained a centre for federal government activity until the 1960s. That means our collection in Victoria has many central administration records.
Notable subject areas include:
- army and navy correspondence
- Aboriginal affairs
- immigration correspondence and case records
- shipping and navigation
- Commonwealth works and construction
- postal and telegraph
- courts and tribunals.
While most records date from Federation in 1901 onwards, we also have some records dating as far back as the 1850s. These were inherited from the Victorian colonial government when some responsibilities passed to the Commonwealth at Federation.
Unique and unusual records in our collection
Unique and unusual records in our collection include:
- records of the British Phosphate Commission, with extensive materials about Nauru and Christmas Island
- records of the Second World War Allied Works Council, which carried out defence-related works around the country. We also have records of workers in the Civil Construction Corps who were conscripted to carry them out.
- records of the Department of Munitions documenting the design and production of Australia’s wartime weapons
- records of the Bureau of Meteorology, Head Office, including weather observations dating back to the 1860s
- records of the Fair Work Commission and its predecessors, which date from the beginning of Australia’s industrial relations system in the early 1900s
- an extensive photographic collection created by the Trade Publicity Directorate, which provides numerous insights into postwar Australian life.
Visitor information
We are open from 10 am to 4:30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. We are closed on public holidays.
You will need to request records to view and book a time to visit in advance. Please complete an advance request for records call us on 03 9348 5703.
Facilities
Free wireless internet is available. There is an exhibition space on site.
Entry
Entry to the National Archives is free.
Onsite accessibility
Wheelchair access
All public areas are wheelchair accessible.
Toilet facilities
An accessible toilet is on the ground floor.
Assistance animals
Visitors with recognised assistance animals, including guide and hearing dogs, are welcome.
Getting here
Car parking
Free all day car parking is available on site (enter via 112 Macaulay Road).
Trams
Route 57 (stop 16), Route 55 (stop 19), Route 59 (stop 19)
Trains
North Melbourne Station or Macaulay Station
Buses
Route 402 (every 10 minutes)
Taxis
Visitors can call a taxi using the free public phone in the locker area.
Postal address
PO Box 8005
Burwood Heights
Vic 3151