Establishment of the Russian consular service in Australia 160 years ago marked the beginning of contacts between the two countries at the official interstate level. Russian consuls have made a significant contribution to the establishment of Russian-Australian relations. They supplied the Russian Foreign Ministry with diverse and reliable information concerning the development of Australia, as well as the changes in the international situation in the South Pacific, and contributed to the development of trade and cultural ties. Consuls defended actively the interests of Russian citizens in Australia, and contributed to improving the image of Russia in the eyes of Australians.