The National Archives' collection in Darwin

Treasures of the collection include:

• the 1843 notebook of John McArthur from the settlement at Port Essington
• the first meteorological recordings from the original site for the town of Palmerston at Adam Bay at the mouth of the Adelaide River
• further recordings from the new site of Palmerston on the Port of Darwin in 1865
• Certificates of Exemption from the dictation test for many non-European residents of Darwin during the White Australia Policy era
• Police Journals from stations across the Territory
• records relating to the administration of welfare for Aboriginal people throughout the Territory from the late 1920s.

The inwards correspondence of the Government Resident from 1870 until 1912 and pastoral lease records dating from this era provide valuable historical insight into this period in Territory history.

There are many records documenting the impact of the Second World War on the Top End, including the evacuation of civilians from all areas. The Post Office diary with its entry of 19 February 1942 illustrates the events of that pivotal day. The collections include many images donated by former Service personnel who served in the Territory during this era.

The remarkable Oral History collection, compiled over 30 years, includes recorded memories reaching back over 100 years of Territory history. The collections also includes more recent records of the development of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu national parks. The devastation of Darwin by Cyclone Tracy and the subsequent reconstruction of the city is also well documented.

Visitor information

Entry

Entry to the National Archives is free.

Onsite accessibility

Pedestrian access

Pedestrian access is through the front of the building, on Mitchell Street.

Wheelchair access

All public areas of the National Archives are wheelchair accessible.

Toilet facilities

An accessible toilet is situated near the Research Centre room.

Assistance animals

Visitors with recognised assistance animals, including guide and hearing dogs, are welcome

Getting here

Car parking

On-street parking is available in front of the building and along Mitchell Street.

Buses

The Darwin Bus Service stops next door to the National Archives on Mitchell Street. Phone: 08 8924 7666.

Taxi

The main taxi rank in the city is in Knuckey Street, near Smith Street Mall.

Postal address

PO Box 24
Nightcliff
NT 0814