Australia, known for its vast landscapes and unique geography, is home to many intriguing stories of exploration and mapping. One of the most fascinating tales in this regard is the peculiar border between the Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania. Contrary to the expectations of a border in the middle of Bass Strait, these two states share a land border, all thanks historic inaccuracies and potential errors. In this article, we will delve into the captivating history of this border, exploring the individuals involved, the error that occurred, and how a small islet ended up being the unlikely dividing line between two creating …
… a land border between Victoria and Tasmania.
Before we dive into the specifics of the border mishap, it's essential to understand the historical context of Australian exploration and mapping. During the 19th century, Australia was a land of great unknowns for European explorers. Bass Strait, the body of water separating mainland Australia and Tasmania, was particularly mysterious.
In 1798, George Bass, a surgeon and explorer, sailed through this strait and proved that Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) was indeed separated from the mainland. This discovery added to the intrigue surrounding the region and set the stage for further exploration and mapping.
As Australia continued to be settled by European colonists, the need for clear borders between territories became evident. In the mid-19th century, the decision was made to establish a definitive border between Victoria and Tasmania. The primary purpose was to delineate the two states' jurisdictions and prevent disputes over resource allocation and governance.
In 1847, the task of surveying the border was assigned to two capable surveyors: Charles Tyers in Victoria and James Sprent in Tasmania. These two individuals, well-versed in the art of mapping and surveying, were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a clear and precise border between the states.
It is disputed whether an actual surveying error occurred at this point, or whether it was misinterpretation of instructions. The most common narrative suggests that the border was intended to be placed at 39°12′ S which was believed to be in the ocean. But instead occurred across the small chunk of rock and the surveyors simply placed it there. Others have suggested that this was simply a guide, or ‘starting point’ for where it should be placed and that it should then be more accurately defined during the survey. Whatever the reason, instead of drawing the border in the middle of Bass Strait, the border passed through a small, inconspicuous islet known as South East Islet, which lies to the south of Wilsons Promontory, a prominent headland in Victoria. For simplicity, we’ll call this the ‘error’ even though the nature of what error may have occurred is not clear to this author.
This error was not immediately recognized, and South East Islet was officially designated as the border between the two states in 1851. As a result, a tiny, uninhabited piece of land, became the unexpected marker of the Victoria-Tasmania border.
Once the error was discovered, steps were taken to rectify it. The islet was renamed "Boundary Islet" to reflect its new role as the border between Victoria and Tasmania. However, the fact remained that, due to this surveying blunder, these two Australian states share a land border rather than a maritime one.
Behind every surveying error is a human story. In the case of the Victoria-Tasmania border, it was the work of Charles Tyers and James Sprent, two skilled surveyors, that led to the unexpected placement of Boundary Islet as the border. Their intentions were undoubtedly to carry out their duties with precision, but the complexities of mapping and the limited technology of the time contributed to the blunder.
It's important to remember that the mid-19th century was a time when surveying and mapping techniques were far less advanced than they are today. Surveyors relied on basic tools like theodolites and sextants, and their calculations were done by hand. The lack of modern technology and satellite-based GPS systems made it more challenging to accurately determine geographical coordinates.
Today, Boundary Islet remains an intriguing geographical oddity. While the error that led to its designation as a border is recognized and understood, it has also become a source of fascination and a point of reference for those interested in the quirks of geography.
The shared land border between Victoria and Tasmania, courtesy of the surveying error that placed Boundary Islet in the limelight, serves as a testament to the complexities and challenges of early Australian exploration and mapping. While the error itself had limited practical consequences, it has left an enduring legacy, offering a curious twist in the tapestry of Australian geography.
The story of this border serves as a reminder that even in the most meticulously planned endeavors, human error can sometimes shape history in unexpected ways. As we marvel at the unique border between Victoria and Tasmania, we are reminded of the rich history of exploration and the ever-evolving art of cartography that has shaped the world as we know it today.
Refer to the wikipedia article of Boundary Islet for more information and references.
And if you’re interested in a deep dive into Australia’s land borders, check out this detailed accoun.
