Records about South Australia

The national archival collection holds diverse records relating to South Australia from 19th-century colonial records to substantial holdings on immigration and defence in the twentieth century.

Of particular interest are the Defence Science and Technology Organisation records and material relating to railways and internment in South Australia.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation records include files, slides and plans of the Woomera testing site. It shows the human side of the missile testing in South Australia through:

• the Gibber Gabber newsletter
• the Bulldust news sheet produced by staff involved in atomic bomb testing.

The railway collection contains files, plans and photographs which capture the broad history of mainland rail and reflect South Australia’s central role in the rail industry, including records about:

• Australian National Railway
• Central Australian Railways
• Northern Australian Railway
• the Trans Australian Railway.

The records of the Loveday internment camp document security service aspects of individual people's internment. They include:

• personal particulars
• arrangements for appeal and release
• security service
• tribunal notes
• mail censorship material.

Visitor information

National Archives of Australia
State Library of South Australia
Corner North Terrace and Kintore Avenue
Adelaide SA 5000

Visiting the Research Centre

The Research Centre is co-located in the State Library of South Australia Somerville Reading Room where you can view original records. You can also meet us in person in our orientation space if you want to get better acquainted with the collection. Both spaces are open 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday to Friday. We are closed on pubic holidays.

To view original records located in South Australia, request the records in advance and then book a time to visit by completing an advance request for records. We will contact you to confirm your booking. Alternatively, you can email us or call on 08 9470 7580.

Walk-in visitors are welcome during our open hours. If there is no one at our orientation desk, call our office 08 9470 7580 and one of our staff will meet you there.

Entry

Entry to the State Library of South Australia where we are co-located is free.

Getting here

Car parking

The closest parking station is Wilson Parking at 251 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

Public transport

The State Library is serviced by bus stop G1 on North Terrace. The library is 300 metres from the Rundle Mall tram stop and 500 metres from the Adelaide Railway Station. Maps and timetables are available from adelaidemetro.com.au.

Taxis

Taxis can drop off next to the State Library on Kintore Avenue. The nearest taxi rank is on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.

Onsite accessibility

Wheelchair access

All public areas of the State Library are wheelchair accessible.

Toilet facilities

Accessible toilets are available on Level 1 of the Spence Wing.

Assistance animals

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

Further details about accessibility

Postal address

PO Box 3563
Rundle Mall
SA 5000