Dampier’s Archipelago — North-West Coast of Australia (1826)
Phillip Parker King charts the gateway to Australia’s iron coast
This rare British Admiralty plan presents the first authoritative survey of Dampier’s Archipelago—the intricate maze of islands, channels and anchorages off Western Australia’s Pilbara coast. Surveyed by Phillip Parker King, R.N., and engraved by J. & C. Walker, it was published by the Admiralty in 1826 as a working chart for naval passage and anchorage selection.
Long before modern ports and bulk carriers, this plan defined the safe approaches to one of Australia’s most strategically important maritime regions.
This is not a decorative map.
It is the hydrographic foundation of the Pilbara coast.
⚓ What This Chart Shows
This finely engraved Admiralty sheet captures Dampier’s Archipelago with navigational clarity.
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The full Dampier Archipelago with islands and passages precisely delineated
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Anchorages and channels between the islands
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Bathymetric soundings revealing depths and hazards
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Coastal relief rendered with classic Admiralty hachures
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Greenwich prime meridian — true naval reference standard
Every line reflects first-hand survey work in waters once considered among the most complex on Australia’s coast.
🧭 Why This Chart Works
Most maps show coastlines.
This shows how ships actually moved among them.
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Surveyed by Phillip Parker King — Australia’s early coastal master
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True British Admiralty production — the world benchmark for accuracy
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High-resolution island hydrography essential for safe navigation
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Museum-grade engraving by J. & C. Walker
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Direct insight into early north-west exploration and seamanship
This chart transformed a dangerous island maze into a navigable seascape.
✨ Premium Finishes
Every Dampier’s Archipelago (1826) Admiralty Chart is printed in Australia using archival methods to preserve the fine linework and historic tone.
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| 📜 Paper (160 gsm matte) | Smooth heavyweight archival paper with crisp line definition; ideal for framing under glass. |
| 🧼 Laminated (True Encapsulation) | 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge protection; tear-resistant and wipe-clean. |
| 🖼️ Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte) | Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for a warm, gallery-grade finish. |
| 🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails | Natural timber rails with hanging cord; ready to hang. Allow up to 10 working days. |
| 🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails | Elegant frameless presentation with lacquered natural timber rails. Allow up to 10 working days. |
📐 Size
765 mm (W) × 1000 mm (H)
A tall portrait format that mirrors the north–south sweep of the archipelago and its channels.
🎯 Ideal For
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Australian maritime and exploration history collectors
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Pilbara and Western Australia heritage interiors
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Museums, libraries and universities
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Shipping, offshore and resources sector spaces
🤝 Our Commitment
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Printed in Australia with professional colour management
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Archival pigment inks for long-term colour stability
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Premium laminates and canvas for durability
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Natural timber hang rails for refined presentation
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Hand-checked and carefully packed before dispatch
Before iron ore exports and modern ports, there was this chart.
Choose your finish and bring Dampier’s Archipelago onto your wall.
