Diplomatic relations between Canada and Australia were formally established in 1939, just as World War II broke out, with the appointment of high commissioners between the two nations.

The three-storey chancery was officially opened 30 January 1964 by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Right Honourable Sir Robert Menzies.

Since 1950 the High Commissioner's Official Residence has been an elegant mansion on Mugga Way in Canberra's historic Red Hill Conservation Area.

[2] Canada also maintains a Consulate General in Sydney, NSW currently headed by Miss Angela Bogdan, with six Canada-based staff and 34 local employees.

It is chiefly concerned with providing visa, immigration, and consular services for Canadians in the following states: New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.