This page lists Queensland-related online, networked and microform resources as well as print publications available for use within the National Library of Australia.

Background

Administration of the area now known as Queensland was by New South Wales until 1859. Compulsory registration of life events was introduced in 1856.

Online

Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

The Queensland Government provides free, searchable, online indexes to the following historical records:

  • Births 1829 - 100 years ago
  • Deaths 1829 - 30 years ago
  • Marriages 1829 - 75 years ago

Findmypast (World Edition)

You can find Findmypast (World Edition) by visiting our eResources portal and searching for this database under the Browse eResources tab. Currently, Findmypast has the following Queensland-related BDM records available:

CD-ROMs in the Library

In addition to the Library's subscription databases, the following CD-ROM resources are available for access within the Library. 

  • The Queensland Pioneers Index 1829-1889 CD-ROM includes church records of baptisms and burials from 1829 and marriages from 1839. It also includes births, deaths and marriages recorded under the compulsory registration system introduced in March 1856 whilst Queensland was still part of the colony of New South Wales. 

    NB: This is the first edition of the Queensland Pioneers Index 1829 - 1889 on CD-ROM and varies slightly from the fiche version as minor corrections have been made since the microfiche was released in 1997.
  • The Queensland Federation Index 1890-1914 CD-ROM resource includes records of all births, deaths and marriages registered in Queensland during the period 1 January 1890 to 31 December 1914.

Microfilmed and other published material

Births

Marriages

Deaths

Divorce records

Divorce records for Queensland commence from 1861 onward.

The Queensland State Archives hold divorce files for the Southern District (1857-2007) and the Northern District (1879-1976).

The following searchable indexes for divorce files are available via Data Queensland:

  • Divorces 1861 to 1894 - Index compiled from the Matrimonial petitions created by the Supreme Court of Queensland, Southern District, Brisbane from 1861 to 1894
  • Writs 1857-2008 - Index to Civil actions brought before the Supreme Court, Southern District, Brisbane. Includes divorce files 1894-1961.

From 1976 onward, divorce records are the responsibility of the Commonwealth Family Court of Australia. 

Unidentified woman with baby on lap

Pullar, G. C. (1905), Unidentified woman with baby on lap, Clermont, Queensland, ca. 1905  [picture] nla.obj-150015552

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The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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