Research guides

The National Archives has detailed research guides to help you find the records you need.

The 27 guides in our research guide series cover:

  • immigration – British, Chinese, Jewish, child
  • foreign relations – with Japan and Indonesia
  • colonial administration – in Papua New Guinea
  • military history – HMAS Sydney, Boer War, Japanese war crimes
  • First Australians
  • family history
  • other topics.

The 9 guides in the National Archives of Australia's Prime Ministers series provide:

  • short biographies
  • extensive archival listings on 14 former prime ministers.

Access the research guides

The easiest way to access our research guides is to download a free copy using the links below.

Buy hard copy research guides

We have a limited selection of research guides available in hard copy. To buy a guide please visit our online shop.

Research guides

Other useful references

These publications may also help you find records in our collection: