Our Archives and library stack are at Richmond Villa, 120 Kent Street, Millers Point. This is at the northern (The Rocks) end of Kent Street just past the approaches to the Harbour Bridge and adjacent to Observatory Hill. Wynyard Station (train and bus) is a 10 minute walk and ferries are 15 minutes away at Circular Quay or Barangaroo Wharf. There is metered street parking outside the building.

Appointments are required to view items and these are normally available on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am - 4pm.

Copies of records can be purchased through the catalogue online or in person when visiting. See below for the steps to access our collection.

Anyone can use our archive collection, but non-members pay a research fee

Step 1:  Search the catalogue

Search MIDAS Catalogue

You can search the catalogue from any computer that has internet access.

You do not need to log in to search, however,  members who log in first will see greater detail in search results, such as lists of item references.

Start with a broad search using a key word, such as a surname or a place name. Then you can refine your search, if necessary.

Use an Advanced Search to refine your search. For example, if you were looking for a photograph you could specify Series 5 or 6; or specify the classification of photographs.

For a video walk-through of how to do a basic search in MIDAS please click on this link.

For a video walk-through of how to do an advanced search in MIDAS please click on this link.

Step 2: Book an appointment to view an item or items

When you find an item in the catalogue that you wish to look at, click on the ‘Request View or Copy’ tab, then click on the ‘Appointment to View’ button and choose a date and time you wish to visit the Villa to view the item. You must do this for each item you wish to view. Appointments are generally available on Wednesdays and Thursdays but other days may be possible on request. Appointments are free for members; non-members pay a $20 a day research fee.

Step 3: Order a copy of an item or items

When you find an item in the catalogue that you would like to have copied, click on the ‘Request View or Copy’ tab, then click on the ‘Order a copy’ button. We will send you a quote and after payment your copies will generally be provided via a Dropbox link.

Image: Gippsland Railway Surveyors c1898, SAG Manuscript and Image Collection Item 5/9