Cambridge Gulf — North-West Coast of Australia (1818–1826)
Phillip Parker King defines Australia’s remote northern gateway
This rare British Admiralty plan presents the first authoritative survey of Cambridge Gulf, one of the most isolated and strategically important inlets on Australia’s north-west coast. Surveyed during 1818–1822 by Phillip Parker King, R.N., and engraved by the renowned J. & C. Walker, it was published by the Admiralty in 1826 as a working navigation chart for vessels operating at the edge of the known continent.
At the time, this coast lay far beyond settlement—charted not for commerce or comfort, but for knowledge, sovereignty, and safe passage.
This is not a decorative map.
It is Australia’s far north rendered navigable.
⚓ What This Chart Shows
This finely engraved Admiralty sheet captures Cambridge Gulf with crisp hydrographic precision.
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The full outline of Cambridge Gulf and adjoining coastline
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Headlands, bays and coastal indentations
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Bathymetric soundings revealing depths and hazards
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Coastal relief shown by classic Admiralty hachures
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Greenwich prime meridian — true naval navigation standard
Every detail reflects first-hand survey work in waters scarcely known to Europeans at the time.
🧭 Why This Chart Works
Most maps show places.
This shows how they were first understood.
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Surveyed by Phillip Parker King — Australia’s foundational coastal surveyor
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True British Admiralty production — the global standard for hydrographic accuracy
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Focused, high-resolution gulf plan ideal for study and display
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Museum-grade engraving by J. & C. Walker
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Direct insight into early north-west exploration
This chart transformed Cambridge Gulf from conjecture into charted reality.
✨ Premium Finishes
Every Cambridge Gulf (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
735 mm (W) × 1000 mm (H)
A tall portrait format that suits the deep, north–south reach of the gulf and gives the chart commanding wall presence.
🎯 Ideal For
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Australian exploration and maritime history collectors
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Western Australia and Kimberley heritage interiors
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Museums, libraries and universities
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Anyone fascinated by the charting of Australia’s remote north
🤝 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 settlements and borders, there was the survey.
Choose your finish and bring Cambridge Gulf’s first true map onto your wall.
