Proposed Australian States, 1838
Published in The Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, Volume 8 (1838), this article accompanies Captain Vetch’s work, “Considerations on the Political Geography and Geographical Nomenclature of Australia,” presented by the Royal Engineers and recognized as an F.R.S.

The proposed states of Australia in 1838, as detailed in Captain Vetch’s work published in the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, provide a fascinating glimpse into the early conceptualization of the country’s political landscape. This period was marked by a growing interest in the organized governance of Australian territory, driven by increasing European settlement and exploration.
Captain Vetch’s work likely reflects the geographical, social, and economic considerations of the time, as well as the strategic importance of delineating political boundaries. The idea of multiple states implies an acknowledgment of Australia’s vastness and diversity, which would later become fundamental to its federation in 1901.
It’s interesting to think about how these early proposals shaped the eventual formation of states and territories. Each proposed state would have had its own unique characteristics shaped by the Indigenous cultures, natural resources, and settlement patterns that existed long before colonization. The historical context of these proposals reveals insights into the political and cultural dynamics that influenced the development of modern Australia.
If you’re interested in exploring more about how these early state proposals influenced Australia’s current political geography or the Indigenous history of the regions in question, I’d be happy to delve into that!