Maps

Our collection of maps and atlases contains some interesting items which can help provide context and background to Federation. Much of the maps collection is currently uncatalogued, so readers are advised to contact staff via our Ask a Librarian service for assistance in identifying and requesting material. Digitisation of our collection is ongoing.

A map prepared for the Federal Convention of 1897 when the inclusion of New Zealand into the new Commonwealth was under consideration.

New South Wales. Government Printing Office. (1897). Australian colonies and New Zealand

Catalogue search tips

Subject headings which can be used to find pre and post Federation mapping in our catalogue include:

New South Wales -- Maps (or the name of any other colony)
Australia -- Maps

Keywords such as the following can also be used:

New South Wales maps

Use the 'Add limits' drop down menu to limit your search to maps material.

The publisher's name eg H.E.C. Robinson, is also useful for searching for map material.

The first official topographic map of the Commonwealth of Australia was published by the Australian government 1912 and called the Map of the Commonwealth of Australia. This map was published in eight sheets at a scale of 1:2,027,520. The Library holds four of these sheets.

Digitized Australian newspapers on Trove contain a number of articles on the progress of this early co-operative venture between the states over the years leading to publication. An interesting article on the history of the project can be found in The Clarence and Richmond Examiner of 27 January 1912.

Upon receipt of the map at the Royal Geographical Society it was described as having ' ... no great merit as a cartographical production, but will be very useful for reference.' The geographical journal, Vol. 43, no. 1, (Jan. 1914) p. 111.

Collections menu

Using the library

stories menu block

Visit us

About us

Support us

Catalogue search tips