Camel Trains to Steel Wheels – Step Aboard a Railway Journey Through Time

Titled Camel Trains to Steel Wheels: Life on the Trans-Australian Railway, this immersive showcase delves into the rich and rugged history of the railway that united Australia from east to west. From the early construction days and the multicultural workforce that made it happen, to the remote communities that grew along the track, the exhibition paints a vivid picture of life on the line.

The exhibition opens with a free community day on Saturday 24 May from 10am, featuring family-friendly, train-themed activities, food and music at the National Archives in Parkes.

National Archives Director-General Simon Froude says the exhibition, which was a major success in Adelaide, honours Australia's pioneering spirit.

“Exhibitions like these celebrate the unique characteristics of early Australian endeavours and allow future generations to connect with them. Our archival records are key to preserving this legacy and understanding the communities and events that shaped our nation.”

Running until 19 October 2025, this free exhibition showcases rarely seen archival footage, photographs, and documents — including material highlighting the railway’s impact on First Nations people.

Constructed in 1917, the Trans-Australian Railway stretched from Port Augusta in South Australia across the Nullarbor to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The exhibition captures the grit, ingenuity, and resilience of those who lived and worked along its path.

🔗 For details including opening hours, visit the National Archives website here