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.
An index for deaths 1930-1973 is available online at ACT Historical Death Index.
Records after 1930 are available on application from the ACT Registrar-General's Office.

NSW   
Births   1788-1918 (1788-1918 networked in E-Resources)
Marriages 1788-1945 (1788-1945 networked in E-Resources)
Deaths 1788-1945 (1788-1945 networked in E-Resources)

See the note below on NSW Pre-1846 Records.
The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has a free search index for births (1788-1906), marriages (1788-1956) and deaths (1788-1976).

NT
Births   1870-1902
Marriages 1870-1902
Deaths 1870-1902

For 1856-1863 see NSW. For 1863-1870 see SA.

QLD
Births   1829-1919 (1829-1914 networked in E-Resources)
Marriages 1856-1939 (1829-1914 networked in E-Resources)
Deaths 1829-1964 (1829-1914 networked in E-Resources)

See NSW indexes for earlier dates.
The Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General has a free search index for births, marriages and deaths (1829-1914).

SA
Births   1842-1928 (1842-1928 networked in E-Resources) 
Marriages 1842-1937 (1842-1937 networked in E-Resources)
Deaths 1842-1972 (1842-1972 networked in E-Resources)
TAS
Births   1803-1905 (1803-1919 networked in E-Resources)
Marriages 1803-1919 (1803-1930 networked in E-Resources)
Deaths 1803-1919 (1803-1830 networked in E-Resources)

See the note below on Tasmanian Pre-1900 Records.

VIC
Births   c1837-1920 (c1837-1920 networked in E-Resources)
Marriages c1837-1942 (c1837-1942 networked in E-Resources)
Deaths

c1837-1985 (c1837-1985 networked in E-Resources)

Marine BDMs 1836-1920 (on stand-alone computer in NRR)

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.

WA
Births   1841-1905 (1841-1931 bookmarked in E-Resources)
Marriages 1841-1965 (1841-1905, 1915-1933 bookmarked/networked in E-Resources)
Deaths 1906-1980 (1841-1905 bookmarked in E-Resources)

See the note below on Western Australian Pre 1842 records.
The Western Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has a free search index for births (1841-1931), deaths and marriages (1841 -1905).

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.

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