Institute of Advanced Studies

Perceptions of Terra Australis

This symposium is jointly sponsored by the ARC Network for Early European Research (Theme: Early European/Australasian Connections) and the Perth Medieval and Renaissance Group. 

The name of Terra Australis goes back to early Greek philosophy, but the concept it represents may have a more diverse history. This symposium focuses on the concept itself and changes in the ways that Terra Australis has been understood over a period of many centuries.

The three keynotes speakers will address themselves to aspects of this development. Their contributions will include the role of historical cartography in demonstrating and advancing perceptions. Dr Alfred Hiatt (University of Leeds), author of the newly published Terra Incognita: Mapping the Antipodes before 1600, will consider the early period. Professor Mercedes Camino (University of Lancaster), author of Producing the Pacific: Maps and Narratives of Pacific Exploration 1567-1606, will talk about the age of European exploration to the South. And Emeritus Professor Norman Etherington (University of Western Australia), author/editor of Mapping Colonial Conquest: Australia and Southern Africa, will focus on the British colonial period.

Conference Registration

Conference Dinner
The conference dinner will be held on Friday 12 June. Payment of $35 cash will be collected at the dinner venue only, please do not send money in advance.

NOTE: Registration will close @ 4pm on Wednesday, 10 June 2009. Thank you for your interest in our event.

NOTE: Cancellations and Refunds

Any amendments and/or refunds must be notified in writing to the Conference Secretariat. Cancellations received in writing up to May 31st 2009 will receive a refund, less an administration fee of 25% of full registration fee paid. Cancellations received after 1 June 2009 will not receive a refund, but a substitute delegate is welcome to attend the conference without penalty.