Chart of Terra Australis — Sheet IV, South Coast (1802–1843)

Matthew Flinders’ map of Australia’s southern seaboard

This remarkable British Admiralty chart captures the moment when the sweeping southern coast of Australia was first transformed from blank space into measured, navigable geography. Surveyed in 1802 by Matthew Flinders aboard H.M.S. Investigator and later corrected from the surveys of Commander John Lort Stokes in 1843, this map documents the first scientific charting of the coast between Cape Otway and Victor Harbour.

Published by the Admiralty from Flinders’ original observations, this was the chart that revealed the shape of Australia’s southern shoreline to the world.

This is not a decorative map.
It is the document that defined Australia’s southern coast.

⚓ What This Chart Shows

This finely engraved Admiralty sheet presents the southern seaboard in historic detail.

• The coastline from Cape Otway to Victor Harbour

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

• Bays, headlands and offshore dangers

• Hundreds of bathymetric soundings showing depths and hazards

• Coastal relief shown by hachures

• Greenwich prime meridian — true Admiralty navigation standard

This is the map that turned speculation into safe passage.

🧭 Why This Chart Works

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

• Surveyed by Matthew Flinders — the man who named Australia

• First scientific chart of Australia’s southern coast

• Corrected by John Lort Stokes as hydrographic accuracy improved

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

• Museum-grade engraving and hydrography

This is the chart that made Australia’s south coast usable.

✨ Premium Finishes

Every Terra Australis — South Coast (1802–1843) Admiralty Chart is printed in Australia using archival methods to preserve every fine engraved line and historic detail.

📐 Size

750 mm (W) × 1000 mm (H)
A tall portrait-format wall map that beautifully suits the sweeping curve of Australia’s southern coastline.

🎯 Ideal For

• Australian history collectors

• Maritime and naval history enthusiasts

• Museums and libraries

• Universities and schools

• 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 was a nation, it was charted here.
Choose your finish and bring Matthew Flinders’ great southern map onto your wall.