About the Maps collection

Maps are records that help people navigate, find places or show where landmarks or specific sites are. They can also show plans of where things might be developed or built. They also reveal historical perspectives, showing what people valued and how they imagined the world. 

Browse Maps

In the collection 

• Rare maps – Printed and manuscript maps from the late 15th century to today, featuring significant works from around the world.
• Topographic maps – 200,000 maps (post-1900) from national and state mapping authorities.
• Property and subdivision maps – Covering all Australian states and territories, ideal for family history research.
• Thematic maps – Featuring land use, water and resource management, geology, mining, transport, roads, planning, infrastructure, and military mapping.
• Aerial photographs – 800,000 images of Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Antarctica.
• Rare atlases – Landmark atlases created by some of the most influential names in cartography.
• Overseas maps – Maps of regions near and far from Australia, including Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• Globes – A unique collection of over 40 globes, including miniature, pocket, table, and large display globes.
• Formed collections – Major map collections held by the Library, showcasing historical and thematic strengths.
• Reference materials – Street directories, atlases, gazetteers, and more.