South Australia's settlement as a British colony dates from 1836, with the arrival at Kangaroo Island of four ships chartered by the South Australia Company: Duke of York, Lady May Pelham, John Pirie and Emma.

The only Australian colony not to accept convicts directly from Britain, South Australia took on its own identity, shaped by the ambitions of its settlers and diverse natural resources of its landscape.

This guide does not seek to include every record associated with South Australia. However, it does highlight areas for further research.