Central Genealogical Records

Central Birth & Baptism Records

Tasmania Births (1803-1933)

An index to and images of birth registers recording over 200,000 births. They list name, date and place of birth, gender, parents' names, mother's maiden name, father's occupation, details of the informant and more.

Index to Birth Notices in The Tasmania Mercury (1854-1930)

An index to around 25,000 births recorded in the newspaper, including name of the child, date of birth, gender, father's name and a reference to the edition that published the notice.

Australia Birth Index (1788-1922)

An index to over 5.1 million births recoded in Australia, including name, year and place of birth and parents' names. The index can be used to order birth records, which contain further information.

New South Wales Birth Index (1788-1914)

Transcripts of more than 2.2 million birth records. Entries may list name, date of birth and registration, religion, place of birth and registration, parents' names and more.

Australia Birth & Baptism Index (1792-1981)

An index of over 530,000 records of births and baptisms, including parents' names and other details.

Central Marriage & Divorce Records

Tasmania Marriages (1803-1899)

An index to and images of registers containing over 55,000 marriages. They list the date and place of marriage; the names of the bride and groom, their: ages, occupations, signatures and marital statuses; officiating minister, names of witnesses and more.

Index to Marriage Notices in The Tasmania Mercury (1854-1962)

An index to over 20,000 marriage notices published in the newspaper, including names of brides and grooms, dates of marriage and a reference to the edition carrying the notice.

Australia Marriage Index (1788-1950)

An index to around 2.6 million marriages recorded in Australia, including name, year of marriage, spouse's name and place of marriage. The index can be used to order marriage records, which contain more information.

New South Wales Marriage Index (1788-1945)

An index to around 1.5 million marriages registered in the state, including dates and places of registration.

Australia Marriages (1788-1935)

Transcripts of around 125,000 marriage records, including the name of the bride and groom, dates of birth or ages, date and place of marriage and more.

Central Death & Burial Records

Tasmania Deaths (1803-1933)

An index to and images of registers recording over 100,000 deaths, including name, date and place of death, gender, age, occupation or father's occupation, cause of death, particulars of the informant and in many cases place of birth.

Index to Death Notices in The Tasmania Mercury (1854-1930)

An index to over 45,000 death notices published in the newspaper, including name, date of death, age, names of relatives and a reference to the edition carrying the notice.

Australia Deaths & Burials (1816-1980)

Transcripts of over 100,000 death and burial records from New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and South Australia. They may list name, age, date and place of death, marital status, residence and cemetery.

New South Wales Cemetery Military Memorial Records (1816-1982)

Details extracted from gravestones, death registers and military memorials. Records include names of relatives and details of death.

New South Wales Death Index (1788-1945)

Transcripts of close to 1.7 million death records, including the name of the deceased, year of birth or age, parents' names and more.

Central Census & Population Lists

Australia Electoral Rolls (1903-1980)

An index to and images of registers that list the name, gender, address and occupation of those registered to vote. Contains over 100 million entries.

1841 New South Wales Census (1841)

Details of around 20,000 inhabitants of the colony, including name, details of properties, age, religion, occupation and more.

1828 New South Wales Census (1828)

An index to and digital images of registers recoding over 50,000 inhabitants of the colony. Entries include name, age, whether bound in service, ship arrived on, year of arrival, sentence, religion, employment, residence, district and details of land owner or occupied.

1841 New South Wales Census (1841)

An index to and images of surviving registers recording early residents of the state.

1828 New South Wales Census Fragment (1828)

An index to and digital images of registers recoding over 45,000 inhabitants of the colony. Entries include name, age, whether bound in service, ship arrived on, year of arrival, sentence, religion, employment, residence, district and details of land owner or occupied.

Newspapers Covering Central

Tasmania Police Gazettes (1871-1900)

A publication circulated among police, containing details of various crimes. It also contains court lists, lists of warrants issued, appointments and changes in the police service, lists of Justices of the Peace, lists of arrests and discharges and descriptions photographs and details of deserters, escaped prisoners, and missing people as well lists for liquor, wine sellers, tobacco sellers, auctioneers, billiard and poisons licences.

The Hobart Gazette (1903-1906)

Digitalised copies of the official newspaper of record for Tasmania. It published notices of bankruptcies, land transfers, petitions, government notices, probate notices and more.

The Hobart Town Gazette (1827-1880)

Digitalised copies of the official newspaper of record for Tasmania. It published notices of bankruptcies, land transfers, petitions, government notices, probate notices and more.

The Australian Lutheran (1913-1966)

A digitised collection of the magazine, covering the affairs of the Lutheran Church in Australia. It also provides a large amount of information on specific events and people in the Australian Lutheran church's past, in the form of notices - including many marriages, deaths and obituaries.

New South Wales Government Gazette (1832-1880)

Images of the official newspaper of record for New South Wales. It includes notices of bankruptcies, appointments, transfers, military affairs, estate and much more. An index to the publication can be found below.

Central Wills & Probate Records

New South Wales Government Gazettes (1853-1899)

Searchable editions of 149 gazettes published by the state. They contain various notices concerning government appointments, crimes, land transactions, missing persons, bankruptcies, estate and probate notices and various other matters.

New South Wales Will Books (1800-1952)

An index to and images of over 415,000 wills, which can list names of family members, real and personal property, sentiments, place of burial and more.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills (PPV) (1384-1858)

A index to testators whose will was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. They principally cover those who lived in the lower two thirds of Britain, but contain wills for residents of Scotland, Ireland, British India and other countries. A copy of each will may be purchased for digital download.

New South Wales Deceased Estate Files Index (1923-1958)

An index to over 440,000 records of duties paid on the sum of a deceased persons' estate.

Bank of England Wills Extracts Index (1717-1845)

An index to over 60,000 wills of people who died with money in public funds. Useful when researching counties where wills have been destroyed. Also contains wills for citizens of British colonies.

Central Immigration & Travel Records

Tasmania Passenger Arrivals (1829-1957)

An index to and digital images of lists recording over 400,000 passenger arrivals in Tasmania. Entries may list name, date and place of arrival, date and place of departure, ship name, birth year, place of origin and more.

Tasmania Immigrant Lists (1841-1884)

An index and images of arrival registers, certificates of departure, hiring registers, registers of immigrants quarters and housing lists, crew lists, lists of immigrants receiving rations and more.

Fremantle, Western Australia Passenger Lists (1897-1963)

An index to and images of passenger lists recording 3.6 million names. They may list name, date and ship of arrival, port of embarkation and debarkation, residence, travel class, forwarding address, age, marital status, occupation, nationality and more.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

New South Wales Unassisted Immigrant Passenger Lists (1826-1922)

An index to and images of inward passenger lists and reports of vessels arrived that list around 8.5 million names. Records contain a wealth of details, including particulars of ships, names, relatives, occupations, passenger class, race and more.

Central Military Records

Tasmania's War Record (1914-1918)

A history of Tasmania's involvement in the war and a list of Tasmanian soldiers and nurses.

Tasmanians in The Transvaal War (1880-1881)

A collection of various letters, medical papers, government reports, newspaper articles and other records relating to Tasmania's contribution to the war.

WWI Commonwealth Casualty Lists (1914-1920)

A list of over 1.3 million British and Commonwealth servicemen who were injured during World War One.

Australian Imperial Force Embarkation Roll (1914-1918)

Lists of 330,000 members of the Australian Imperial Force as they embarked for overseas service during World War One. They may list name, rank, regimental number, unit, age, occupation, marital status, address, next of kin, religion and other details.

Australian Imperial Force Nominal Roll (1914-1918)

Lists of over 324,000 members of the Australian Imperial Force who served overseas during World War One, including name, service number, rank, unit, date of enlistment, fate and date of death.

Tasmania Police Gazettes (1871-1900)

A publication circulated among police, containing details of various crimes. It also contains court lists, lists of warrants issued, appointments and changes in the police service, lists of Justices of the Peace, lists of arrests and discharges and descriptions photographs and details of deserters, escaped prisoners, and missing people as well lists for liquor, wine sellers, tobacco sellers, auctioneers, billiard and poisons licences.

Tasmania Prison, Legal & Guild Records (1829-1961)

An index to and images of several-hundred-thousand records concerning prisons, courts, occupations and guilds.

The Hobart Gazette (1903-1906)

Digitalised copies of the official newspaper of record for Tasmania. It published notices of bankruptcies, land transfers, petitions, government notices, probate notices and more.

Tasmania Reports of Crime (1861-1870)

A publication reporting thousands of crimes reported in Tasmania.

The Hobart Town Gazette (1827-1880)

Digitalised copies of the official newspaper of record for Tasmania. It published notices of bankruptcies, land transfers, petitions, government notices, probate notices and more.

Central Taxation Records

Returns of the Colony of New South Wales (1822-1857)

This is a collection of the colony’s records in the civil, economic, judicial, police, penal, medical, ecclesiastical, and educational establishments. There are 28 different record types that are included in some form over the 35 years. The returns also include a list of the officers in these areas. There wasn’t a compiled return in 1824, but every other year between 1822-1857 contains the full returns.

Central Land & Property Records

New South Wales Government Gazettes (1853-1899)

Searchable editions of 149 gazettes published by the state. They contain various notices concerning government appointments, crimes, land transactions, missing persons, bankruptcies, estate and probate notices and various other matters.

New South Wales Land Grants (1788-1963)

An index to and images of a variety of land grants for New South Wales, Australia. The format of these records varies, as does the degree of information recorded. Details can include the date and location of the grant, description, name of the grantee, amount paid, and names of witnesses.

Pastoral Possessions of New South Wales (1889)

A directory of owners and leasers of pastoral land in the colony, including details of the land.

New South Wales Colonial Secretary's Papers (1788-1856)

Digital images of documents recording the colonial administration of NSW. Letters and records of various events make up the majority of the collections: petitions by convicts for sentence mitigation, marriage permission requests, character memorials for potential settlers, land grant or lease applications, official visit reports, information about court cases, and lists of assigned servants.

Returns of the Colony of New South Wales (1822-1857)

This is a collection of the colony’s records in the civil, economic, judicial, police, penal, medical, ecclesiastical, and educational establishments. There are 28 different record types that are included in some form over the 35 years. The returns also include a list of the officers in these areas. There wasn’t a compiled return in 1824, but every other year between 1822-1857 contains the full returns.

Central Directories & Gazetteers

Tasmania Telephone Directory (1953)

A directory including the name, address and telephone of thousands of Tasmanian residents and businesses.

Tasmania Postal Directories (1901-1919)

Searchable versions of books listing important details about the colony and listing names of some of its residents and businesses.

Tasmania Directories (1891-1915)

Searchable versions of books listing important details about the colony and listing names of some of its residents and businesses.

Tasmania Post Office Directory (1936-1937)

A street and trade directory of the state of Tasmania.

Tasmania Post Office Directory (1931)

A street and trade directory of the state of Tasmania.

Central Cemeteries

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Newcastle, NSW Lost Cemeteries (1842-1902)

Transcripts of close to 8,000 burial records, many including names of relatives.

New South Wales Cemetery Military Memorial Records (1816-1982)

Details extracted from gravestones, death registers and military memorials. Records include names of relatives and details of death.

Australia Cemetery Records (1808-2007)

A collection of round 800,000 tombstone transcriptions from around 100 cemeteries in Australia. Information collected from burial registers or funeral records was sometimes also used.

New South Wales Memorial Inscriptions (1800-1960)

Transcripts of details from gravestones in the state, recording around 160,000 people.

Central Obituaries

Australia & New Zealand Obituary Collection (2006-Present)

A constantly-updated collection of abstract obituaries, inducing names of relatives. It contains over 300,000 entries.

Medical Directory (1915)

Contains a gazetteer of places, a directory of doctors, lists of institutions, regulations, obituaries and more.

Loxton's Medical Directory (1911)

Contains a gazetteer of places, a directory of doctors, lists of institutions, regulations, obituaries and more.

Central Histories & Books

Tasmanian Cyclopedia (1931)

A dictionary of important people, places, institutions and buildings in the state.

Jubilee History of Tasmania (1887)

An illustrated history of the colony, covering biography, natives, business, religion, education, government and more.

Cyclopedia of Tasmania (1907)

A searchable work covering important aspects of the state, such as law, government, schools, public works, mining, banking and more.

Aldine History of New South Wales (1888)

A history of the colony, its early explorers, geography, aborigines, flora and fauna and more. It also includes biographies of notable inhabitants.

Ancestry Member Stories (6000 BC-Present)

Over 7 million remembrances and historic details submitted by Ancestry members. Useful for local historians.

Central School & Education Records

Returns of the Colony of New South Wales (1822-1857)

This is a collection of the colony’s records in the civil, economic, judicial, police, penal, medical, ecclesiastical, and educational establishments. There are 28 different record types that are included in some form over the 35 years. The returns also include a list of the officers in these areas. There wasn’t a compiled return in 1824, but every other year between 1822-1857 contains the full returns.

Central Occupation & Business Records

Tasmania Police Gazettes (1871-1900)

A publication circulated among police, containing details of various crimes. It also contains court lists, lists of warrants issued, appointments and changes in the police service, lists of Justices of the Peace, lists of arrests and discharges and descriptions photographs and details of deserters, escaped prisoners, and missing people as well lists for liquor, wine sellers, tobacco sellers, auctioneers, billiard and poisons licences.

Tasmania Prison, Legal & Guild Records (1829-1961)

An index to and images of several-hundred-thousand records concerning prisons, courts, occupations and guilds.

New South Wales Police Gazettes (1854-1930)

An index to and images of publications that report on wanted criminals, crimes committed, criminals who had been apprehended, missing persons, promotions, vacant positions, and appointments.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Australia Public Service List (1904-1920)

Records of 10,000s of Australian civil servants, including their name, date of birth and details of their job.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Central

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Gentry: Genealogical & Heraldic History 1 (1891)

Genealogies of land-owning families in the British colonies, including biographies.

Colonial Gentry: Genealogical & Heraldic History 2 (1891)

Genealogies of land-owning families in the British colonies, including biographies.

Ancestry Member Family Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A compilation of lineage-linked family trees submitted by Ancestry users. The database contains over 2 billion individuals and is searchable by numerous metrics.

Ancestry World Tree (6000 BC-1997)

A collection of legacy trees submitted by Ancestry users containing nearly 400 million individuals.

Central Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Gentry: Genealogical & Heraldic History 1 (1891)

Genealogies of land-owning families in the British colonies, including biographies.

Colonial Gentry: Genealogical & Heraldic History 2 (1891)

Genealogies of land-owning families in the British colonies, including biographies.

Central Church Records

The Australian Lutheran (1913-1966)

A digitised collection of the magazine, covering the affairs of the Lutheran Church in Australia. It also provides a large amount of information on specific events and people in the Australian Lutheran church's past, in the form of notices - including many marriages, deaths and obituaries.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Returns of the Colony of New South Wales (1822-1857)

This is a collection of the colony’s records in the civil, economic, judicial, police, penal, medical, ecclesiastical, and educational establishments. There are 28 different record types that are included in some form over the 35 years. The returns also include a list of the officers in these areas. There wasn’t a compiled return in 1824, but every other year between 1822-1857 contains the full returns.

Sydney Diocesan Directory (1881-1920)

Details on all the Anglican clergy, cathedrals, committees, societies and schools of New South Wales as well as Anglican clergy lists for all other states in Australia.

Crockford's Clerical Directory (1929)

A directory listing Anglican parishes and other divisions of the Church or England hierarchy and their various religious officers. The directory covers the UK and Anglican churches throughout the world.

Biographical Directories Covering Central

Jubilee History of Tasmania (1887)

An illustrated history of the colony, covering biography, natives, business, religion, education, government and more.

Aldine History of New South Wales (1888)

A history of the colony, its early explorers, geography, aborigines, flora and fauna and more. It also includes biographies of notable inhabitants.

Dictionary of Australian Biography (1949)

Transcripts of hundreds of short biographies of notable Australians.

Blair's Cyclopedia of Australasia (1881)

Details of settlements, regions, people and things connected with Australasia.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Central Maps

NSW Surveyor General Field & Sketch Books (1794-1903)

Sketches and tracings relating to towns, villages, allotments, land in dispute, street, lands for public use, geographic features and similar items.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Central Reference Works

International Genealogical Research Directory (1981-1993)

A directory of Australian genealogical interests.

Researching a Medical Ancestor (1505-Present)

A guide to tracing ancestors who practiced medicine in several English-speaking countries.

Most Common Surnames in Central

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Tasmania
1Smith2991:624.67%1
2Jones2661:707.27%2
3Williams2041:916.07%3
4Brown1391:1344.74%4
5Johnson1311:1426.96%8
6Scott1291:1448.19%11
7Wilson1211:1545.70%5
8Green1111:1688.32%18
9Taylor961:1945.20%9
10Cooper901:2075.57%10
10Goss901:20718.60%118
12Clark861:2164.12%6
12White861:2165.97%13
14Walker801:2323.92%7
15Chugg791:23521.01%186
16Richardson771:2415.39%14
17Baker751:2488.02%41
17Hill751:2485.89%19
19Bailey721:2589.39%63
20Palmer711:26211.02%75
21Hall681:2734.81%15
22Thomas631:2956.75%42
23Bennett621:3005.20%24
23Moore621:3005.81%29
23Pearce621:3007.35%50
26Foster561:3328.93%79
27Davis551:3384.43%21
27Freeman551:3389.12%85
27Reid551:3385.21%30
30Burbury541:34443.90%767
30Harris541:3443.57%12
30Triffett541:34418.18%254
30Webb541:3445.21%34
34Lewis531:3516.75%59
34Rigby531:35118.93%272
36Barnes521:35810.74%118
36Howard521:3585.91%44
38Anderson501:3724.44%27
38Archer501:37210.02%112
38Bryant501:37229.07%516
41Allen491:3796.09%54
42Adams471:3965.87%55
42Saunders471:3967.06%73
42Thompson471:3964.46%33
45Davey461:4049.16%110
45Hughes461:4046.05%64
45King461:4043.30%17
45Watson461:4044.36%31
49Barker451:4136.00%66
49Butler451:4135.28%46
49Dowling451:41317.65%305
49Evans451:4133.66%23
49Roberts451:4133.65%22
54Bowerman441:42315.66%268
54Campbell441:4234.47%37
54Cox441:4235.22%51
54McShane441:42320.56%382
54Tubb441:42332.12%664
59Barwick431:4329.77%136
59Booth431:43213.69%234
59Dennis431:43216.23%289
59Kelly431:4324.25%36
63Clarke421:4433.68%26
63Edwards421:4433.98%31
63French421:4434.47%40
63Pitt421:44316.09%295
63Shepherd421:44313.50%237
68Hart411:45412.17%212
68Jenkins411:4548.78%124
68Spencer411:45410.82%183
71Gibson401:4656.83%88
71James401:4654.78%53
73Porter391:47711.40%208
74Fish381:48940.00%1,015
74Hazelwood381:48940.00%1,015
74McGee381:48918.63%408
77Eyles371:50328.46%717
77Hodgetts371:50311.56%225
77Rogers371:5036.58%95
80Dare361:51716.82%382
80Johnstone361:5178.00%132
82Johnston351:5313.64%39
82Phillips351:5314.01%45
84Davidson341:5477.96%147
84Hayes341:5475.43%80
84Lang341:54723.13%610
84Oliver341:5477.98%149
88Berry331:5637.86%152
88Casey331:56311.96%273
88Groves331:56315.00%367
88Jackson331:5633.03%28
88Murray331:5635.25%78
88Ransley331:56312.94%305
88Turner331:5632.78%25
95Graham321:5814.76%71
95Harvey321:5814.16%62
95Higgins321:58116.67%446
95Morris321:5816.40%111
95Pennicott321:58128.57%848
95Young321:5812.28%16
101Brain311:60018.45%532
101Crosswell311:60012.45%311
101Eberhardt311:60063.27%1,788
101Ellis311:6007.18%140
101Jordan311:6005.29%88
101Madden311:60015.50%422
101Nichols311:6003.93%57
108Carter301:6206.98%142
109Knight291:6414.87%86
109Mitchell291:6413.43%49
109Preece291:64118.35%560
109Rice291:64111.79%321
109Rowlands291:64115.18%448
109Triffitt291:6419.27%236
115Brooks281:6644.50%81
115Byers281:66429.47%1,015
115Headlam281:66424.56%827
115Kaye281:66416.09%502
115Lowe281:6644.76%87
120Cameron271:6895.87%126
120Clay271:68932.53%1,156
120Frankcombe271:68913.24%408
120Knowles271:6898.74%241
120Parker271:6893.18%47
120Reynolds271:6895.93%128
120Stewart271:6893.42%57
120Talbot271:68916.07%532
120Towns271:68912.74%388
120Viney271:6896.14%136
120Whelan271:68912.68%385
131Bryan261:7156.05%142
131Griffiths261:7154.78%101
131McCarthy261:7154.66%97
131McConnon261:71514.94%502
131Robson261:71511.71%361
131Stone261:7156.30%158
131Youl261:71522.22%804
138Burn251:74422.94%871
138Cashion251:7449.33%285
138Daniels251:74410.37%327
138Flood251:74419.84%749
138Housego251:74453.19%1,841
138Lawrence251:7447.79%222
138Mills251:7445.11%117
138Wiggins251:7447.46%213
138Wright251:7441.98%20
147Beven241:77526.67%1,072
147Branch241:77522.22%883
147Bresnehan241:77517.02%641
147Burns241:7755.43%134
147Button241:77512.18%432
147Byrne241:7756.90%205
147Downie241:77519.83%780
147Lane241:7756.67%195
147Marshall241:7753.08%60
147McDonald241:7755.58%142
147Miller241:7752.63%43
147Monks241:77517.65%673
147Morgan241:7753.00%56
147Pulford241:77537.50%1,449
147Swan241:7759.96%327
147Wells241:7752.34%35
163Boyd231:8089.79%336
163Hanson231:8087.17%222
163Lockett231:80811.17%406
163McKinnell231:80869.70%2,423
163Shaw231:8083.95%91
163Simpson231:8084.66%114
163Wilton231:80814.47%557
170Armstrong221:8454.07%103
170Brazendale221:84511.28%437
170Dean221:8455.50%160
170Holmes221:8454.86%130
170Morrison221:8454.66%123
170O'Toole221:84524.18%1,058
170Pears221:84528.21%1,227
170Simmons221:84510.78%408
170Walters221:8454.19%105
179Burr211:8857.42%266
179Carnes211:88529.58%1,320
179Chivers211:88515.33%664
179Cornish211:8857.75%284
179Davies211:8853.91%104
179Gleeson211:8854.78%138
179Patterson211:8858.47%315
186Arnold201:9304.21%122
186Bassett201:9308.81%350
186Grant201:9305.06%164
186Hawkins201:9305.54%193
186Hayward201:93016.95%800
186Iles201:93011.63%516
186Maher201:93010.31%440
186Manning201:93011.30%490
186Paterson201:93017.54%827
186Stevenson201:9305.19%176
186Stokes201:9306.67%248
186von Bibra201:93033.33%1,518
186von Stieglitz201:93013.42%597
186Whitney201:93019.42%924
200Cartledge191:97917.27%860
200Downham191:97915.83%788
200Farrow191:97910.80%493
200Hutchinson191:9799.05%393
200Lockwood191:97910.98%512
200Page191:9793.26%91
200Sonners191:97935.85%1,678
200Thomson191:9795.44%203