Ancient Landscapes & Living Lineages — Australia: Land of Living Fossils (1979)

A portrait of a continent shaped by time. Published by National Geographic in February 1979, this physical sheet maps Australia and Tasmania in expressive relief—ranges, deserts, basins, rivers, and coasts—paired with an accessible introduction to Australia’s remarkable wildlife. Issued as a companion to the Australia map and the article “Those Kangaroos! They’re a Marvelous Mob,” it brings geology and biology together in clean, legible cartography that rewards both room-distance viewing and close study.

More Than a Map – A Testament to Nature

This isn’t just wall art—it’s a concise field guide to a unique biogeographic realm. Read the continent’s structure at a glance, then meet the iconic fauna that evolved upon it—from arid-zone specialists to rainforest dwellers and coastal species. Ideal for educators, naturalists, designers, and collectors, it pairs beautifully with political or thematic maps of Australia for a complete classroom or gallery set.

Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.

Premium Materials & Finishes

We treat geography with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine relief shading and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.

💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic spaces.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord—ready to display. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the grain; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Nature at a Glance: Australia’s landforms and waters paired with a wildlife primer.
✔ Clarity at Scale: Subtle hypsometric tints and precise labels read beautifully near or far.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: A striking centrepiece with genuine reference value.
✔ Perfect Pairing: Complements political or thematic Australia maps for teaching and display.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

Our Commitment

We believe that preserving geography is as important as teaching it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.

Bring Australia’s ancient landscapes—and the life they sustain—into focus. Order Australia: Land of Living Fossils (1979) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.