![Zoomable full resolution image available at davidrumsey.com . This image 14352.097 is a part of image group 14352.000 . Outer covers to Voyage de découvertes aux Terres Australes : Navigation et géographie. Contemporary boards with original pink papered edges and spine, with original paper spine label, which includes abbreviated title. Title translates to: Voyage to the Southern Territories : Navigation. Outer covers protect volume, which is bound in marbled wrappers. Volume, tucked within outer covers, is housed in a contemporary slip cover, with opening decorated in original pink papers. The rare complete official narrative and hydrography of the great French voyage of the Napoleonic period, the Baudin-Freycinet Expedition. The voyage has been characterized as the last great Enlightenment voyage, and was perhaps its purest expression, combining as it did scientific curiosity and research, territorial and geopolitical ambition, and the spirit of inquiry on the widest scale. As the first full atlas of the Australian coastline, its cartographical contribution is of extraordinary value, with a navigational section charting the coast. It is among the finest items of Australiana ever published, recounting an outstanding exploration. The six volumes were published separately over a period of ten years, commencing in 1816. In this complete form, the journals are exceedingly rare. The expedition was ordered by the French government in order to complete the cartographic survey of the Australian coast, covering the area not examined by Cook. Commanded by Nicolas Baudin, the crew was composed of twenty-two scientists, ranging from hydrographers, geographers and astronomers to zoologists, botanists and 'artiste-peintres’. The expedition left France in 1800 and sailed via Mauritius to the Western Australian coast in the region of Cape Leeuwin, arriving in May 1801. Peron sailed as naturalist on the expedition and Freycinet as cartographer. The vessels, Geographe and Naturaliste, sailed north from Cape Leeuwin, charting the mouth of the Swan River, the site of present day Perth. After three months in Timor, the two ships set out for Tasmania, continuing to make surveys and a close study of the indigenous Tasmanian people and their material culture. The expedition continued on to New South Wales, creating a fine panorama of the town of Sydney, as well as views and a town plan. They then undertook a complete survey of the southern coast and an examination of the northern coast before returning to Mauritius where, near the end of 1803, Baudin died. The voyage brought back to France a wealth of geographical information. The cartography of the voyage was of crucial interest. The French exploration coincided with the the English circumnavigation of Mathew Flinders. The two expeditions famously met up at the consequently named Encounter Bay in South Australia. With Flinders' subsequent imprisonment by the French, his captors were first into print with their mapping of Australia, the great Hydrographical Atlas appearing in 1812, two years before the publication of Flinders' narrative and charts, and thus the first full Australian atlas, a remarkable achievement for visitors rather than settlers. (See Flinders atlas in the collection under Pub List No. 10745.000.) The expedition narration was begun by Peron, and completed by Freycinet after Peron's death. A tacit agreement between Peron and Freycinet, both of whom disliked Baudin, kept the commander's name mostly absent from the present official account of the expedition. The narrative includes the first publication of a complete and fully detailed map of the Australian coastline. It is a cartographic milestone, artfully done, exemplifying the French artistry of the time. The southern coast is almost entirely named "Terre Napolean," indicating France's colonial ambitions. Highlights of the numerous plates and maps (many hand-colored) include an engraved portrait of Peron, done within days of his death; coastlines of Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, as well as two folding panoramic views of Sydney and Timor. Also included are nautical charts, coastal profiles, views and plans of Sydney, as well as detailed charts of harbors and islands around Australia, Tasmania and Timor. Complete set comprised of two volumes of historical text, two volumes of plates, including portraits and views, one volume of navigation text describing the voyage, and one atlas (see further details below). Together, the six volumes contain 87 plates, comprised of 61 maps, 39 views, 13 portraits and 13 illustrations. Maps shows cities, routes, ports, topography, vegetation, drainage, coastline, shoals, anchorage and islands. Maps include latitudinal and longitudinal lines, as well as legends, bar scales, compass roses and explanatory notes. Engravings, some hand-colored. In addition to the maps, views offer further detail of specific locations, such as the tombs on Maria Island, in the Tasman Sea. Details include flora and fauna, as well as indigenous people, along with their shelters. Ethnographic portraits beautifully capture indigenous individuals of Tasmanian and New South Wales, replete with their names, dress and ornamentation. Illustrations provide close studies of indigenous accoutrements, including baskets, vases, jewelry, weapons and fishing gear. Additional illustrations show animals of the continent, such as kangaroos, platypus and wombats. Most volumes in the original pink papered boards, with gilded titles, and with some pages still uncut. Collations: Vol 1 of Historique : Paris, de l'Imprimerie Imperiale, 1807. 4to, pp [4], (i)-xv, (blank) (3), 4-496, 2pp errata. -- Vol 2 of Historique : Paris, a l'Imprimerie Royale, 1816. 4to, pp [4], frontispiece portrait, v-xxxi; (blank); (1)-471pp. -- Atlas par Mm. Lesueur et Petit : Paris. Small folio, pp [6] text; original tissue guards; with 40 leaves of plates (2 folding). -- Atlas Deuxième Partie, Rédigée par Mr. L. Freycinet : Paris, 1811. Small folio, pp [6] text; with 14 leaves of plates, (2 folding). -- Navigation et Géographie Rédigée par M. Louis Freycinet : Paris, De l'Imprimerie Royale, 1815. 4to, pp [4]; v-vxi; (1)-576, 2pp errata, the last pages of text unopened, uncut. -- Partie Navigation et Géographie Rédigée par Louis Freycinet : Atlas. Paris, 1812. Imperial folio, pp [4]; with 32 leaves of plates (25 double-page). Original red diced calf, gilt decorated spine, original red papered boards with gilt border decoration. References: Ferguson 449, 563 & 603; Wantrup 78a, 79a , 80a & 81; Hill p. 1329 (Narrative volumes only); Davidson, Book Collector's Notes, pp. 108-110; Sharp, Discovery of Australia, pp.232-39; Dunmore, French Explorers in the Pacific II, pp.9-40; Plomley, The Baudin Expedition and the Tasmanian Aborigines 1802. (Full text images of all pages can be seen at the Biodiversity Heritage Library; link in Pub Reference.) For complete scans of all text pages see https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org References: Ferguson 449, 563 & 603; Wantrup 78a, 79a , 80a & 81; Hill p. 1329 (Narrative volumes only); Davidson, Book Collector's Notes, pp. 108-110; Sharp, Discovery of Australia, pp.232-39; Dunmore, French Explorers in the Pacific II, pp.9-40; Plomley, The Baudin Expedition and the Tasmanian Aborigines 1802. (Full text images of all pages can be seen at the Biodiversity Heritage Library; link in Pub Reference.) Subjects:](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjkwhtxmcyktrxqjgjvgf.supabase.co%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fmedia%2Fnewsroom%2F2026%2F05506c8a-ac04-4c50-8894-d4aa8eea9e5c-platypus-house.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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Where Platypus House sits
Platypus House sits on the waterfront in the Tamar Valley with views across the Tamar River. The operator supplies a map and local directions for visitors. The centre is described as being conveniently located along the coast. If you plan to arrive by coach, the venue material includes directions to local coach providers, including specific guidance for Manion’s Coaches, so check those notes when you plan travel.
What you will see on site
The centre is focused on Tasmania’s monotremes. Exhibits are arranged around platypus ponds and an echidna garden where visitors can move close to viewing points. The facility is set up so guests can observe platypuses and echidnas active in daylight, including feeding and normal movements. Photography is welcome, subject to any staff directions at viewing windows.
Bookings and guided tours
The operator states that bookings are essential to guarantee a place. Guided tours are part of the visitor experience. Operator posts show fully guided departures leaving on the hour during mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours, with examples indicating tours from 10am until 3pm on some days. Tour times and frequency can change, so confirm the current timetable and book ahead to secure the time you want.
Weather and viewing conditions
Viewing areas are undercover, which makes the centre suitable for visits in wet or cold weather. That arrangement means rain or lower temperatures are less likely to affect what you see once you are inside. Weather can still affect travel to the site, so check road or coach conditions before you depart.
Facilities to expect
There is a takeaway café that faces the Tamar River, allowing visitors to purchase coffee or light refreshments. A small retail area is mentioned for gifts and souvenirs. Opening hours for the café and the shop can vary by day, so confirm what is available when you make your booking if these facilities matter to your visit.
Accessibility, groups and suitability
Platypus House is described as suitable for a wide range of visitors, including school groups, families and community groups. If you are visiting with mobility needs, strollers or a large organised group, contact the venue before you travel to confirm accessibility arrangements and group booking requirements. The operator invites educational visits and positions the centre as appropriate for students and community groups seeking a monotreme-focused learning experience.
Practical access and transport checks
Before you leave, consult the venue map and the provided directions for the best approach by car or coach. The operator’s site notes local coach arrangements and recommends checking drop-off or parking options in advance. If you are relying on public transport or a private coach, verify connections and any recommended parking or drop-off points to avoid last-minute changes.
Photography, conduct and on-site etiquette
Photography is permitted inside the centre. Visitors should follow staff instructions about where to stand and when to use flash or not, to avoid disturbing the animals or other guests. The layout encourages quiet observation of the ponds and garden; be mindful of other visitors and of any guidance from staff during guided tours.
Simple checks to make before you go
Confirm your booking and the time of your guided tour. Ask the venue about any accessibility needs specific to your group. Check café and shop opening hours if you plan to purchase refreshments or gifts. Verify directions and parking or coach drop-off so you arrive on time. These brief checks will reduce the chance of an unexpected disruption on the day.
Why you should verify details on the day
Opening hours, tour frequency and on-site services can change because of seasonal patterns, staffing or conservation requirements. The operator’s materials indicate hourly guided departures in the daytime on some days, but those times are not guaranteed indefinitely. A short call or message to the venue to confirm current arrangements will make sure your expectations match what is available when you visit.