This is a minimalist topographical relief map of Australia, created by The Unique Maps Co. and enhanced with our trademarked Unique 3D process. There are no labels, no roads, and no towns — just the continent’s landforms expressed through sculpted light and shadow. As illumination rakes across the surface, high peaks catch a crisp gleam while low basins and river plains fall into soft shade, revealing an Australia you can almost feel with your eyes.

Along the eastern seaboard the Great Dividing Range rises clearly, a long, faulted spine that runs from the tropical north down to Victoria. You can trace the steep Great Escarpment as it breaks sharply toward the coastal plains, then follow the high country through the New England Tablelands and the Blue Mountains to the Australian Alps. Here the Snowy Mountains stand out with bold relief, their summits — including the roof of the continent around Mount Kosciuszko — picked out by bright highlights and deep, narrow shadows along ridges and cirques. North of there, uplands like the Atherton Tableland and ranges near Cairns show as a knotted cluster of elevated forms pressing close to the coast.

Just inland, the wide sweep of the Murray–Darling Basin reclines as one of the broadest lowlands on the map. Its meandering river corridors carve gentle depressions across the Riverina and into northwestern New South Wales and southern Queensland. Subtle shading distinguishes these fertile plains from the surrounding uplands, with the Monaro and Southern Tablelands stepping down into Victoria’s lower country. Westward, the Grampians (Gariwerd) and the Otway and Strzelecki Ranges lift out of the Victorian lowlands in crisp relief, their serrated skylines casting tapered shadows that point the way toward South Australia’s rising ground.

The heart of the continent spreads out as the immense Western Plateau and the Outback’s tablelands. Here, the light grazes across vast, ancient surfaces: the Tanami and Gibson country, the Great Sandy and Great Victoria Deserts, and the famous dune fields of the Simpson and Strzelecki. Long, parallel ridges throw evenly spaced shadows, while low mesas and breakaways punctuate otherwise even terrain. In central Australia, the MacDonnell Ranges and nearby folded belts appear as sinuous, repeating ribs around Alice Springs, their alternating light-and-dark bands making the region’s ruggedness unmistakable. To the south, the saucer-like depression of the Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) Basin lies in a soft hollow — a quiet, shaded center that hints at the continent’s lowest point.

Western Australia’s topography is etched with contrasts that read beautifully in relief. The Pilbara and Hamersley Ranges are scored with deep gorges and high ironstone plateaus, their sharp escarpments catching stark highlights. Farther south, the Yilgarn’s ancient uplands ease down toward the coastal plain, checked by the clean line of the Darling Scarp behind Perth. In the far southwest, the Stirling Range pops up as an isolated mountain knot, while to the south the Nullarbor Plain runs flat and unwavering to the Great Australian Bight. Along that edge, a hard, narrow shadow marks the line of sea cliffs — a razor-straight frontier between plateau and ocean that is unmistakable even without labels.

To the tropical north, the map shows the dissected plateaus of the Kimberley, a labyrinth of ridges, domes, and gorges rendered in tight, intricate shading. Crossing the Top End, the Arnhem Land Plateau and the escarpments that fringe Kakadu present a bold step down to floodplains and mangrove-fringed lowlands. The Gulf Country’s broad, gently folded terrain flows west to east with a soft undulation, while the Barkly Tableland and the Channel Country display broad, shallow swales where ephemeral rivers spread into braided lacework. Across Cape York Peninsula, a subdued spine separates the peninsula’s two coasts, with modest uplands and low divides guiding drainage either to the Gulf of Carpentaria or toward the Coral Sea.

Just off the southern margin, Tasmania stands as a compact world of relief. The Central Highlands and western mountains rise abruptly, their serrated ridges and glacial valleys carved into high-contrast relief. Peaks around Cradle Mountain and Mount Ossa gleam along their crests while deep valleys and lake-strewn plateaus fall into pocketed shade. Eastward, the terrain declines into gentler hills and broader valleys, a tonal easing that makes the island’s varied topography instantly legible.

For those who call Australia home, who have crossed it by road or rail, or who hold a memory of a favorite coastline, range, or desert, this minimalist relief invites instant recognition. Without a single label, the continent’s story unfolds through light and shadow — from coastal escarpments and snowy summits to river basins, plateaus, deserts, and island ranges — a tactile portrait ready to hang on any wall.

Please note that our Unique 3D maps look remarkably 3D, particularly when framed, but they are 2D prints on paper (or canvas).

About our Unique 3D Topographic Relief Maps

These aren’t just maps — they’re landscapes, sculpted with light and shadow.

Our shaded relief prints use ultra high resolution topographic data and a secret 3D rendering process to create the illusion of raised terrain — like the mountains are about to lift right off the page. No labels, no borders, no distractions. Just the raw shape of the land, brought to life in a clean, modern style.

They’re designed to feel timeless. Bold enough to be a centrepiece, subtle enough to blend in. A perfect gift for map lovers, mountain wanderers, or anyone who finds beauty in the shape of the Earth.

Learn more about our Unique 3D process.

And of course, like any of our other maps, you can personalise this topographical map as well. Why not mark your favourite peaks, or the routes of your favourite hikes and cycle rides?

More Product Info

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my map personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised maps are always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your map to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

I can print and frame this beautiful topographical 3D map at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.