Chart of Terra Australis — Sheet III, South Coast (1802–1853)

Matthew Flinders’ master map of Australia’s unknown southern shore

This extraordinary British Admiralty chart captures the moment when the blank edge of the world became Australia. Surveyed in 1802 by Matthew Flinders aboard H.M.S. Investigator, and later refined by Commanders John Clements Wickham and John Lort Stokes, this map represents the first truly scientific charting of Australia’s southern coastline.

Published by the Admiralty and corrected to 1853, this was the chart that allowed Britain — and the world — to understand the shape of Terra Australis for the first time.

This is not a decorative map.
It is the document that defined Australia.

⚓ What This Chart Shows

This magnificent Admiralty sheet lays out the South Australian coast as it was first discovered and measured.

• The full southern coastline of Australia from the Great Australian Bight to Spencer Gulf

• Flinders’ original survey tracks of H.M.S. Investigator

• Nuyts’ Land — the last great unknown of the southern continent

• Spencer Gulf and Port Lincoln region in enlarged inset

• Nuyts Archipelago — first charted in detail by Flinders

• Hundreds of bathymetric soundings showing depths and hazards

• Coastal relief shown by hachures and spot heights

• Greenwich prime meridian — true Admiralty navigation standard

This is the map that replaced myth with measurement.

🧭 Why This Chart Works

Most maps show where things are.
This one shows how Australia was discovered.

• Surveyed by Matthew Flinders — the man who named Australia

• First true chart of the southern coast

• Updated by Wickham & Stokes as exploration continued

• True British Admiralty production — the world’s gold standard

• Museum-grade engraving and hydrography

This is the chart that turned Terra Australis into a real place.

✨ Premium Finishes

Every Terra Australis — South Coast (1802–1853) Admiralty Chart is printed in Australia using archival methods to preserve every fine engraved line and historic detail.

📐 Size

1000 mm (W) × 680 mm (H)
A commanding landscape wall format that reveals the grandeur and detail of Australia’s first great coastal survey.

🎯 Ideal For

• Australian history collectors

• Maritime and naval history enthusiasts

• Museums and libraries

• Schools and universities

• Anyone fascinated by exploration and discovery

🤝 Our Commitment

• Printed in Australia with professional colour management

• Archival pigment inks for long-term stability

• Premium laminates and canvas for durability

• Natural timber hang rails for elegant presentation

• Hand-checked and carefully packed before dispatch

Before Australia had borders, it had this coastline.
Choose your finish and bring Matthew Flinders’ greatest map onto your wall.