Girl Guides evolved from the Scouting movement, founded by Robert Baden-Powell, in the early years of the 20th century. Baden-Powell's sister Agnes took charge of Girl Guiding in its early years and was followed by Baden-Powell's wife, Olave.

In Australia, Guiding began as early as 1909, but it wasn't until 1926 the Federal Council of the Girl Guides Associations of Australia was formed. In 1928 Australia became a foundation member of the newly formed World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Today, Girl Guides Australia comprises seven member organisations, one in each of the six states and the Northern Territory. More than a million Australian women have been or are still Girl Guides.