Step into the world of 19th-century exploration with this exquisite nautical chart of the Bass Strait, meticulously surveyed by Commander John Lort Stokes and the officers of H.M.S. Beagle in 1843. This map is a testament to the adventurous spirit and scientific rigor of the British Navy's hydrographic surveys, aimed at mapping uncharted territories for navigation and research. The chart is adorned with detailed inset mappings of various harbors and islands, providing a comprehensive view of the strategic Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from mainland Australia.

The map's intricate design features soundings that indicate water depths in fathoms, essential for safe navigation through these treacherous waters. Compass roses and navigational aids, such as currents and water channels, are artfully displayed, highlighting the map's practical utility for seafarers of the time. This chart not only served as a navigational tool but also as a scientific document that contributed to the broader understanding of the Australian coastline.

John Lort Stokes, a distinguished naval officer and hydrographer, played a pivotal role in the creation of this map. Having joined the British Navy in 1824, Stokes was part of the H.M.S. Beagle's crew during its famous voyages, including the period when Charles Darwin was aboard. Stokes' dedication to exploration led him to circumnavigate Australia twice, discovering and naming significant geographical features, such as the Victoria River and Port Darwin. His work on this map exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to accuracy that defined his career.

The map's historical significance is profound, reflecting the British Navy's efforts to expand its maritime knowledge and influence during the 19th century. It serves as a valuable artifact, offering a glimpse into the past when naval surveyors meticulously charted unknown waters, paving the way for future exploration, settlement, and trade. The Bass Strait map stands as a symbol of the adventurous and scientific endeavors that characterized this era of exploration.

This luxurious map is not only a visual masterpiece but also a rich source of historical and geographical information. It captures the essence of an age when exploration was at the forefront of human endeavor, making it a prized addition to any collection of historical maps. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a maritime aficionado, or an admirer of fine cartography, this map offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of exploration history.

Notable places on this map

• Port Dalrymple
• Kent Group
• Waterhouse Island
• Swan Island
• Furneaux Islands
• King Island
• Cape Otway
• Wilson's Promontory
• Western Port
• Port Phillip

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical focus on Bass Strait, separating Tasmania from mainland Australia.
• Inset maps of various harbors and islands, providing detailed local surveys.
• Presence of soundings indicating water depths in fathoms.
• Compass roses for navigation.
• Detailed depiction of coastal features and water channels.
• Navigational aids like currents and anchorages.
• Representation of the extensive hydrographic surveys conducted during the 19th century.
• Emphasis on the strategic importance of the Bass Strait for navigation.

Historical and design context

• Created in 1844 by John Lort Stokes / Hydrographic Office of the Admiralty, UK.
• Reflects the British Navy's efforts to map uncharted territories for navigation and scientific research.
• John Lort Stokes was a key figure in charting the Australian coastline and served on the H.M.S. Beagle.
• Contributed to the understanding of the Australian coastline, aiding future exploration, settlement, and trade.
• Serves as a historical artifact showcasing the adventurous work of naval officers.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.