Directories and Almanacs are a valuable resource for local, family and social historians as well as for researchers in other fields of Australian history. They provide you with information on the region that your ancestors lived, as well as information on their occupations and location.

1899-1900

The New South Wales Country Directory 1899-1900 (Hall) is divided into four sections. 

Sections include:

• Country Towns - information on trades, business and professions by town name

• Alphaebtical list -  business and professional people by name

• Pastoral directory - list of owners, name of run, number of stock and postal district
  

• Gazetteer - rail, boat, mail and general business information along with two maps
  

1925, 1926 & 1929

These years are divided into two sections, the Australian Almanac and NSW directory. They contain invaluable information on places and people, throughout New South Wales and include a large colour map of NSW towns, rail and coach lines and other transport options. 

The Australian Almanac

This section consisting of around 150 pages includes a detailed calendar including 'remarkable' events, sun and moon times, tides, phases of the moon, etc. This section also includes lists of court sessions, government departments, churches, societies and public institutions and schools as well as a detailed postal guide and list of postal towns and times

NSW Directory

The NSW directory contains a list of New South Wales towns over about 500 pages. A valuable resource for those with family in New South Wales at this time. Under each town it shows the distance from Sydney, transport options, climate description, county name, police district and population. This book contains easily accessible lists and information on hundreds of towns and thousands of people involved in different positions and trades across New South Wales. Depending on the size and services of the town the following may also be listed, and include the names and positions of people involved. 

Listings include:

• Brief description of the town

• Magistrates

• Public Service list

• Banks

• Schools

• Medical information

• Newspapers

• Societies and clubs

• Hotels

• Commercial lists including auctioneers, bakers, blacksmiths, tailars etc. 

• Shire councilors