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Overview

In 2017, it will be 100 years since the completion of the 1,690 kilometre transcontinental railway between Port Augusta, in South Australia, and Kalgoorlie, in Western Australia.

This significant piece of infrastructure was officially opened on 22 October 1917, after five years of arduous construction, but planning had begun many years before. Prior to Federation 1901, Western Australia had been reluctant to join the new Commonwealth of Australia, but it was persuaded with the promise of a transcontinental rail link facilitating closer communication with the eastern states.

The railway not only brought comfort and speed to east–west travel but also boosted tourism and improved trade, supply and mail links. When the standard-gauge line was extended, in 1969, west from Kalgoorlie to Perth and east from Port Augusta to Sydney, it became possible to travel coast to coast across Australia by train.

This stamp issue celebrates the centenary of this major infrastructure and nation-building project.

The stamps were designed by John White of the Australia Post Design Studio. The stamps feature vintage travel posters from the collection of State Library Victoria. The posters convey the optimism and aspiration of the new rail service.

Designer

John White, Australia Post Design Studio

Products released in this issue

  • Minisheet
  • First day cover (blank, gummed, minisheet)
  • Stamp pack
  • Maxicards
  • Booklet of 10 x $1 (self-adhesive)
  • Postal numismatic cover (Perth Mint)
  • Postal numismatic cover (RAM)
  • Medallion cover (limited to 3,500)

Technical specifications

Issue date4 July 2017
Issue withdrawal date31 January 2018
Denominations2 x $1
Stamp designJohn White, Australia Post Design Studio
Product designJohn White, Australia Post Design Studio
PrinterEGOtrade
Paper - gummedTullis Russell Red Phos
Paper - self-adhesiveMC90/C100
Printing processOffset lithography
Stamp size(mm)26mm x 37.5mm
Minisheet size135mm x 80mm
Perforations14.60 x 13.86
Sheet layoutModule of 50
FDI postmarkKalgoorlie WA 6430
FDI withdrawal date1 August 2017

Stamps in this issue

$1 To the West
$1 To the West

Trans-Australian Railways To The West stamp

To the West

This advertising poster, from circa 1960, features a stylised train similar to the first diesel locomotive GM1.

$1
$1 Across Australia
$1 Across Australia

Trans-Australian Railways Across Australia stamp

Across Australia

This poster, from circa 1930, is by well-known graphic artist James Northfield. It shows a figure on a camel viewing a locomotive as it speeds across the desert towards Perth.

$1

Related stamp issues

  • Civil Aviation: 100 Years

    Issue date: 06 October 2020

    Civil Aviation: 100 Years

  • Transcontinental Railway – 50 Years

    Issue date: 11 February 2020

    Transcontinental Railway – 50 Years

  • Tourist Transport

    Issue date: 03 March 2015

    Tourist Transport

  • Bicycles

    Issue date: 13 October 2015

    Bicycles

View all stamps

This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.