Chart of Terra Australis — Sheet II, North Coast (1802–1841)

Matthew Flinders’ master map of Australia’s tropical frontier

This extraordinary British Admiralty chart captures the moment when the vast, mysterious north coast of Australia was finally brought into scientific focus. Surveyed in 1802–1803 by Matthew Flinders aboard H.M.S. Investigator and later corrected by Commander John Lort Stokes in 1841, this map represents the first accurate charting of the Gulf of Carpentaria and Australia’s tropical shoreline.

Published by the Admiralty from Flinders’ original surveys, this was the chart that transformed a blank northern coastline into measured geography.

This is not a decorative map.
It is the document that revealed Australia’s northern edge.

⚓ What This Chart Shows

This magnificent Admiralty sheet lays out northern Australia with historic precision.

• The entire Gulf of Carpentaria

• The north coast of Australia from Endeavour Strait westward

• Flinders’ original exploration tracks

• Sir Edward Pellew Group and Wellesley Islands

• Insets of the Gulf of Carpentaria for strategic overview

• Bathymetric soundings showing depths and hazards

• Coastal relief shown by hachures

• Greenwich prime meridian — true Admiralty navigation standard

This was the chart captains used to navigate the tropical seas of Australia for the first time.

🧭 Why This Chart Works

Most maps show coastlines.
This shows how Australia was discovered.

• Surveyed by Matthew Flinders — the man who named Australia

• First scientific chart of the Gulf of Carpentaria

• Corrected by John Lort Stokes as hydrography advanced

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

• Museum-grade engraving and hydrography

This is the chart that replaced legend with longitude.

✨ Premium Finishes

Every Terra Australis — North Coast (1802–1841) Admiralty Chart is printed in Australia using archival methods to preserve every fine engraved line and historic detail.

📐 Size

680 mm (W) × 1000 mm (H)
A tall portrait-format wall map that perfectly suits the sweeping tropical coast and the vastness of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

🎯 Ideal For

• Australian exploration collectors

• Maritime and naval history enthusiasts

• Museums and libraries

• Universities and research centres

• Anyone fascinated by Australia’s 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 a north, it was charted here.
Choose your finish and bring Matthew Flinders’ great tropical map onto your wall.