Shipping

South Australia inherited a proud maritime legacy. Prior to the colony's foundation, explorers Flinders and Baudin separately charted our coastline and determined that the great south land was one continent. Organised shipping commenced with immigrant ships and vessels importing goods into the new colony in the 19th century. In the age of steam, our 2,500 km 'lifeline' - the River Murray - acted as a highway to the interior and eastern settlements for riverine traders and navigators. The State Library of South Australia preserves the state's maritime successes, disasters and activities to bring to life this important element of South Australian history.

 

	Downstream Vessels of the River Murray		Wooden walls and iron sides South Australia's maritime history		Maps Zoom in on South Australia
	Fact sheets and bibliographies		Virtual books Read selected resources online		Encounter 1802-2002 Flinders and Baudin