Australian birth, marriage and death records
Indexes held by the Library
Each Australian state publishes indexes to the births, deaths and marriages registered in that state. The date range of publication depends on legislation enacted in each state, so the coverage of indexes varies from state to state.
These indexes are available via eResources in the reading rooms and/or on microfiche in the open access family history area of the Newspapers and Microforms Reading Room. Certificates may be obtained from the appropriate State Registrar.
The contents of certificates vary from state to state and differ over time within each state. See What you might expect to see on an historical AUS BDM certificate for a description.
Australian State Libraries, local libraries and genealogical societies may also hold these indexes.
| ACT | For pre 1930 records see NSW Deaths. |
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| NSW |
See the note below on NSW Pre-1846 Records. |
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| NT |
For 1856-1863 see NSW. For 1863-1870 see SA. |
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| QLD |
See NSW indexes for earlier dates. |
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| SA |
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| TAS |
See the note below on Tasmanian Pre-1900 Records. |
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| VIC |
An online index to births (1836-1924), marriages (1836-1942) and deaths (1836-1985) is available at the Victorian Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages. A fee for viewing is charged. Births, deaths and marriages on ships coming to Victoria (1853-1920) are also available at Marine Index. Ships' names are included. A fee for viewing is charged. |
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| WA |
See the note below on Western Australian Pre 1842 records. |
NSW pre-1856 records
Baptism, marriage and burial records from NSW churches prior to Civil Registration in 1856 may be viewed in this library. These records have volume reference numbers beginning with V on the indexes above.
Eg. V183214 26 (year = 1832, entry no = 14., volume no. = 26)
Vols. 1-123, out of 158, are on microfilm in the Newspaper Reading Room (SR Reel nos. AO 5001-5048), Microfilm drawer no.1, Call No. mfm N 229.
Tasmanian pre-1900 records
Registrar-Generals Department pre-1900 births, deaths and marriages
records, Tasmania.
Microfilm Cabinet Drawer nos. 13 & 14; Call no.:
mfm N 220. Refer to the Register-Generals guide to locate reel numbers.
Western Australian pre-1842 records
Pre 1842 baptisms, marriages and burials were recorded by the Anglican Church in Western Australia. These records are on microfilm in the Newspapers and Microforms Reading Room (Access to Ancestors Accession 703, reel 214), Microfilm Drawer no. 25, Call no. mfm N 303. Refer to the Access to Ancestors's guide for a description of the records.
