Australia 1979 Wall Map by National Geographic

A Vivid Snapshot of a Nation in Transition

In February 1979, National Geographic published this richly detailed map of Australia as a companion to the celebrated “Australia, Land of Living Fossils” supplement and the feature article “Those Kangaroos! They’re a Marvelous Mob.”

More than just a navigational aid, this map is a window into a pivotal moment in Australia’s modern history — a time when the nation’s extraordinary natural landscapes, rapidly developing cities, and diverse cultural heritage were earning worldwide attention. It is both a work of cartographic art and a precise geographic record, produced with the meticulous accuracy that has made National Geographic maps some of the most trusted in the world.

From the vibrant turquoise swirls of the Great Barrier Reef to the deep ochre deserts of the Outback, this edition captures the colours, contours, and character of a continent. It reveals not just the physical terrain, but the human story — marking the evolving road and rail networks, Indigenous territories, and areas of economic importance that were defining the Australian identity in the late 20th century.

🌏 Key Features & Historical Insights

• Tasmania Inset – A finely detailed depiction of Australia’s island state, including major settlements, roads, and natural features.

• Thousands of Place Names – From bustling capitals and coastal hubs to remote homesteads in the country’s far reaches.

• Transport Networks – Railways and roads (both completed and under construction), superhighways, and airports, illustrating Australia’s growing connectivity.

• Aboriginal Lands – Clearly marked boundaries recognising the cultural and territorial heritage of Indigenous Australians.

• Physical Geography – Depicts mountains, rivers, lakes, dry salt lakes, swamps, deserts, and waterholes with signature National Geographic shaded relief.

• Marine Detail – Ocean bathymetry, coral reefs, and warm currents, showcasing the ecological richness of surrounding seas.

• Economic Indicators – Includes oil field locations, reflecting Australia’s resource development and industrial growth during this period.

🖨️ Premium Formats & Materials

📜 Paper Edition – Printed on heavyweight 160 gsm FSC-certified matte-coated paper for archival quality, rich colour depth, and exceptional clarity. Ideal for framing under glass to protect and preserve its historic value.

💧 Laminated Edition – Encapsulated between two 80-micron gloss laminate sheets for a durable, waterproof, and tear-resistant finish. Perfect for interactive use with whiteboard markers or Map Dots without leaving permanent marks.

🪵 Laminated with Hang Rails – Fully laminated and mounted with natural lacquered timber rails and a hanging cord for quick, professional display. Adds a classic touch that suits both educational spaces and stylish interiors.

🎨 Canvas Edition – Printed on 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas using Hewlett-Packard pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for a tactile, gallery-grade finish. Offers both longevity and an elegant, textured presentation.

🪶 Canvas with Hang Rails – The ultimate display option, combining the archival beauty of canvas with lacquered timber hang rails for instant wall mounting and timeless appeal.

📐 Specifications

🎯 Perfect For

📚 Map Collectors – Own an authentic late 20th-century National Geographic original, a piece of cartographic history.
🏛 Educators & Historians – A richly detailed teaching aid and visual record of Australia’s geography and infrastructure in the 1970s.
🏠 Home & Office Décor – A striking centrepiece with both aesthetic beauty and historical significance.
🎁 Gift Buyers – The perfect gift for lovers of maps, history, geography, or Australian heritage.

📦 Delivery Note

Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed editions, as each is carefully and professionally mounted by our framer to ensure museum-quality presentation.