The first printed chart of Sydney Harbour

Description

This is the first printed chart of Port Jackson, in New South Wales, Australia. It was prepared from the survey conducted by Captain John Hunter, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet, in early 1788.

Hunter surveyed Port Jackson as commander of HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet, after the location was identified by Captain Arthur Phillip, first Governor of New South Wales, as superior to Botany Bay, which was the British Admiralty’s original choice for the new colony’s first settlement.

The chart covers Port Jackson in its entirety, from its entrance at the Heads in the east to Homebush Bay in the west, taking in North Harbour, Middle Harbour, Sydney Harbour, and the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers.

Abundant navigational information is provided, including countless soundings, pictorial indication of cliffs and shoals, and tide details. In addition, numerous freshwater locations are marked.

Sydney Cove is named (Sidney Cove), with an anchorage indicated just northeast of modern-day The Rocks. The Tank Stream features as “Fine Stream of Fresh Water”.

A half compass rose at the upper centre of the chart orients it to magnetic north.

Engraved by J. Reid and William Harrison.

A scarce and intriguing artifact from the foundational days of the New South Wales colony.

Publication

The voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay : with an account of the establishment of the colonies of Port Jackson & Norfolk Island [1789]

Rarity

According to WorldCat, as a stand-alone item, the map is held by only three institutions globally. There are numerous holdings as part of the original publication – The voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay.

The map appears rarely on the open market.

Condition

Fine.

A sharp impression on paper watermarked with a fleur-de-lis and initialed GD. Issued folding. Uncoloured. At top, cut close to or along platemark.

Item #: 02826

US $1,100.00

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