This map of the world shows the proposed steam shipping routes as they were expected to be in 1849. The route to Australia follows very closely on the sailing ship route, except that it would have steered nearer to South America to pick up favourable winds to round the Cape of Good Hope. All shipping would have headed directly across the lower Indian Ocean to pick up the strong winds in that region and thereby shorten the journey.

The map also shows the steam route to India which includes the overland section across Egypt to reconnect with shipping in the Red Sea and on to India and the option of further forward travel to Australia. A further option is a proposed voyage across the Pacific Ocean via Panama, although it would be many years before the Canal would be created.

View a "zoomable" version.

There is considerable detail below the map about the various colonies including length of voyage, chief towns, climate and physical description. Comparative heights of mountains and lengths of rivers are also shown, although Australia is notably missing from this list.

Parsons, Ronald. Southern passages: a maritime history of South Australia Netley, S. Aust.: Wakefield Press, 1986

Wooden walls and iron sides -
South Australia's maritime history

The power of steam at sea Victoria and Albert Museum

British India Steam Navigation Company Wikipedia

Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company P & O Steam Navigation Co (Wikipedia)

Orient Steam Navigation Company Orient Line (Wikipedia)

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. Wooden Walls and Iron Sides August 2004-