Map of Torres Strait and Islands, Queensland (1892)

Surveyor General’s Office, Brisbane

This authoritative 1892 government map of the Torres Strait Islands presents a clear and strategic view of one of Australia’s most significant maritime gateways. Compiled and published by the Queensland Surveyor General's Office, the map was produced to accompany the Annual Report of the Government Resident at Thursday Island (4 May 1892)—placing it squarely in the administrative and geopolitical realities of late-colonial northern Australia.

Covering the waters between Cape York and New Guinea, the chart delineates the Queensland boundary across Torres Strait, mapping island groups, channels, and surrounding seas with relief shown by hachures. A detailed inset focuses on the administrative and commercial heart of the region—Thursday Island and neighbouring islands—underscoring their importance to governance, navigation, and trade at the time.

This is a historically rich wall map that captures the moment when Torres Strait was being formally documented, governed, and integrated into Queensland’s colonial framework.

🧭 What This Map Shows

• The Torres Strait and its island groups

• The Queensland maritime boundary across the strait

• Island names and coastal outlines with clear legibility

• Relief shown by hachures

• Inset maps of:

  • Friday Island

  • Hammond Island

  • Thursday Island

  • Prince of Wales Island

🏛️ Historical Significance

• Produced for official Queensland government reporting (1892)

• Documents the administrative reach of Queensland into Torres Strait

• Reflects the strategic importance of the strait for navigation, trade, and defence

• An important colonial-era record of Australia’s northern maritime frontier

• Highly relevant to studies of Torres Strait history, governance, and cartography

✨ Premium Print & Display Options

Printed in Australia using archival methods to preserve fine linework and historic character.

📐 Size (W × H)

815 mm × 1000 mm
Orientation: Portrait
Aspect ratio: ~1 : 1.23

Framing tips:

• Allow a 2–3 mm mat overlap for traditional framing.

• A float-mount works beautifully for contemporary or institutional spaces.

Custom sizing: Available on request.

🎯 Ideal For

• Australian and Queensland history collections

• Torres Strait and maritime history enthusiasts

• Libraries, museums, and educational institutions

• Government offices and heritage interiors

• Collectors of official Australian survey maps

🤝 Our Commitment

Printed locally in Australia with archival pigment inks, careful colour management, and hand-checked finishing—packed securely and ready to display.

Select your finish and bring home a rare 1892 government map of the Torres Strait and Islands.