Australian Stamps and Postcards

With the forming of the Commonwealth of Australia on January 1st, 1901 laws were passed for the newly formed postal system to issue a uniform postage stamp series, then postal rates also became uniform on May 1st, 1911. Prior to this, Australia had six colonies who were self-governed. Each began operating their own postal systems and issued stamps. New South Wales and Victoria issued their first stamps in 1850, followed by Tasmania in 1853, Western Australia in 1854, South Australia in 1855 and Queensland in 1860.

In 1913, the first (one penny) Kangaroo and Map design stamp was issued with "Australia" defined as the origin. Later the King George V series was issued in December 1913. Depiction of monarchs and Australian flora and fauna were featured until early 1970's. Featured were birds and marine life distinctive to Australia and early maritime explorers. Designs since 1971 have focused on Australian flora, fauna, marine life, reptiles, butterflies, visual art, handicrafts, gemstones. The Olympic Games of 2000 brought the creation of many stamps featuring Australian Gold Medal winners.

Australian postcards are as varied and unique as any you will find anywhere. Some of the Australian colonies postcards, the oldest found to date originated in 1873. Many of the postcards over the years follow the same themes as stamps issued. World War I and World War II were very popular and still very collectible. One series is, "Ships of the Orient" mostly of modern ships. One of the largest number of postcards printed relate to the Austrian airlines, with probably over a hundred or more issued. Sheep stations, scenic landscapes and aboriginal scenes and landmarks, such as Old Parliment Houses also were issued.