Historical maps and plans
This page contains links to resources for historical maps for Australia and Globally.
Alert
It is important to recognise historically recorded information is often from the perspective of colonial settlers. Many of the below map resources are not often inclusive or reflective of Indigenous knowledge. Being aware of the perspectives of authors is one way to be critically reflective. We have also developed a page within this guide specific to Indigenous Australian maps.
Finding historical maps in our ADPML collection
Historical maps include those that may only be accessible through special collections and archives. These types of maps may have been digitised but in some cases they are only available in hardcopy.
The Alfred Deakin Prime Ministerial Library (ADPML) contains historical special collection resources as does the Deakin Archives collection. This includes maps, architectural plans and atlases.
To view the hardcopy resources, please get in touch with our Special Collections Librarian to arrange a viewing time.
Search the Special collections
You can find and locate maps in our Special Collection using the below search box.
Enter your required location, followed by the word map. For example: Geelong map. Then press Search.
* All search results open in a new window. *
Global historical maps
Browse and view places with timelines Compare historical maps to see the evolution of a place.
Australian historical maps
An information piece on decolonising historical maps, Bess Moylan, National Library of Australia
Victorian historical maps
Click on the plus (+) icons below to explore historical maps and resources related to Victoria, Melbourne and Geelong.