Old Map of Western Australia & the Outback by Edward Stanford, 1904: Perth, Railroads, Explorers' Routes, Great Victoria Desert

Step into the golden age of exploration with "Western Australia. Northern Territory.", an exquisite 1904 map crafted by the distinguished London cartographer Edward Stanford. This map, originally part of Stanford’s celebrated atlas series, offers a vivid snapshot of Western Australia and the Northern Territory at the dawn of the twentieth century. The title itself evokes a time when these vast regions were still being charted, their boundaries, settlements, and landscapes meticulously recorded for posterity. Stanford’s maps are revered for their accuracy and artistry, and this piece is no exception, blending scientific precision with the elegance of full color lithography.

Edward Stanford’s legacy as a mapmaker is woven into every detail of this remarkable work. Having acquired the plates of John Arrowsmith—one of the nineteenth century’s most esteemed atlas makers—Stanford continued and elevated the tradition of British cartography. By the time this third edition was published in 1904, Stanford’s atlases were considered the definitive reference for explorers, scholars, and statesmen alike. His commitment to clarity and beauty is evident in the map’s colored districts, finely rendered relief, and careful annotation of explorers’ routes, reflecting both the spirit of discovery and the administrative ambitions of the era.

The map’s design is a masterclass in early twentieth-century cartographic technique. District boundaries are elegantly shaded, each hue delineating a distinct region within Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Relief is artfully depicted using hachures and spot heights, bringing to life the rugged terrain, from the formidable Hamersley Range to the arid expanses of the Great Victoria Desert. Major rivers such as the Fitzroy, Gascoyne, and Murchison snake across the landscape, while the sweeping coastline is punctuated by capes and bays that were once perilous waypoints for mariners and explorers.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this map is a document of a transformative period in Australian history. It charts the emergence of settlements—Perth, Fremantle, Kalgoorlie, and many more—whose modern-day significance is foreshadowed by their early prominence here. Railroads and overland routes trace the arteries of colonial expansion, while the marked routes of legendary explorers like John and Alexander Forrest speak to the relentless quest to unveil the continent’s secrets. The map’s careful demarcation of the Tropic of Capricorn and the boundary between Western Australia and the Northern Territory underscores the geopolitical forces shaping the region.

This map’s historical resonance is matched only by its richness of detail. It captures a land in flux, poised between the untamed wilderness and the burgeoning infrastructure of a new century. The interplay of political boundaries, natural features, and human endeavor is palpable—each element meticulously recorded by Stanford’s expert hand. For collectors, historians, or anyone captivated by the drama of exploration and settlement, this map is both a work of art and a portal to a pivotal chapter in Australia’s story.

Cities and towns on this map

• Perth
• Fremantle
• Kalgoorlie
• Boulder
• Geraldton
• Albany
• Coolgardie
• Bunbury
• Northam
• York
• Cue
• Roebourne
• Carnarvon
• Wyndham
• Broome
• Derby
• Esperance
• Katanning
• Norseman
• Leonora
• Menzies
• Mount Magnet
• Meekatharra
  
• Pine Creek

Notable Features & Landmarks

• District boundaries within Western Australia and the Northern Territory, each shaded in different colors
• Relief indicated by hachures and spot heights, showing the varied terrain of the region
• Major rivers, including the Fitzroy River, Gascoyne River, and Murchison River
• The coastline of Western Australia, including notable capes and bays
• The boundary line separating Western Australia from the Northern Territory
• Routes of notable explorers, such as those of John Forrest and Alexander Forrest, marked and labelled on the map
• Railroads and proposed railway lines, illustrating the development of transportation infrastructure
• Major overland routes and roads, including tracks used by explorers and settlers
• The depiction of the Great Victoria Desert and other significant desert regions
• The location of major mountain ranges, such as the Hamersley Range
• The Tropic of Capricorn, marked as a significant latitude line across the map

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Western Australia. Northern Territory.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Edward Stanford, a renowned London-based cartographer and publisher known for producing high-quality atlases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Date of creation: This edition of the map was published in 1904, as part of the third edition of Stanford’s atlas series
• Atlas context: The map is part of an esteemed atlas series that succeeded John Arrowsmith’s London Atlas of 1858. Stanford acquired Arrowsmith’s plates after Arrowsmith’s death, leading to the continuation and enhancement of the series
• Map style and design: Produced using full color lithography, the map features districts in distinct colors, with relief shown by hachures (lines indicating slope) and spot heights (specific elevation points)
• Historical significance: The map reflects the colonial and exploration history of Australia, showing the development of infrastructure and the mapping of remote areas during a period of expansion and settlement
• Notable context: The inclusion of explorers’ routes highlights the era’s focus on exploration and the mapping of previously uncharted territories in Australia

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 map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.