The papers include diaries kept on Antarctic expeditions, New Guinea expeditions, during World War I and II, and during an Australian tour; typescripts of publications, radio talks and film script; personal papers; and newspaper cuttings covering his expeditions and career. There is also an account by Ross Macpherson Smith of his 1919 flight.
Primarily comprises road maps and tourist guides for New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia and Northern Territory collected by Frank Hurley. Some are annotated with travel routes and notes about intention to visit particular locations. Maps of the BANZARE expedition to Antarctica and the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric project also highlight his significant photography work in Antarctica and the Snowy Mountains. Comprises items 1-33.