Wilson’s Promontory. Surveyed by Comr. M.G.H.W. Ross R.N.

Rare large scale map of Wilson’s Promontory, dated August 1856, extending north to Rabbit Island and with an inset of Bass Strait.

After the enormous increase in population and commercial activity caused by the discovery of gold in Victoria in the early 1850’s, made it necessary for accurate charts of the Victorian coastline to safeguard the increase shipping. With this aim both the Victorian Surveyor General’s Office and the British Hydrographic Office actively created accurate charts able to be used for commercial navigation of the coast.