Australia 800 stamps used

The Great Southern Land —
Get 800 Different Used Stamps from
One of the World's Great Philatelic Nations

Australia has been issuing its own stamps since 1913, and in the century-plus since, it has produced one of the most varied, colorful, and historically rich philatelic programs in the world. From the kangaroo and map definitives of the early Commonwealth era to vivid wildlife issues, royal commemoratives, aviation pioneers, and portraits of a continent still discovering itself — Australia stamps tell the story of a young nation with an ancient land and an endlessly fascinating identity.

Eight hundred different used stamps gives you an extraordinary sweep of that story. You'll find decades of Australian history, culture, and natural wonders in a single packet — and room to explore dozens of collecting directions from there.

Selections will vary, but the one I looked through included:

• The 1914 First Air Mail commemorative (5d) — French aviator Maurice Guillaux flew his Blériot XI monoplane from Melbourne to Sydney on July 16–18, 1914 — carrying nearly 1,800 specially printed postcards on what was the longest airmail flight in the world at the time. This 5d stamp, depicting the fragile wood-and-canvas aircraft in flight, commemorates one of Australia's most remarkable postal milestones. At the time of the flight, World War I had not yet been declared; by the time Guillaux returned to France weeks later, it had.
• The Blue Mountains Crossing 1813 (5d) — In May 1813, Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, and William Charles Wentworth set out from Blaxland's farm west of Sydney and accomplished what had defeated every expedition before them: a successful crossing of the Blue Mountains. The fertile plains they found beyond opened Australia's interior to settlement and changed the colony's future forever. This 1963 commemorative — issued for the 150th anniversary — depicts the three explorers on the ridge, the vast unknown landscape stretching out before them.
• The QEII Coronation stamp (3½d, 1953) — Issued for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, this coral-red stamp carries her portrait and the full formal inscription of the occasion. A classic Commonwealth commemorative, and a cornerstone of any British royalty collection.
• The Queensland Centenary stamp (1960) — A reproduction of Queensland's very first stamp, the 1860 Queen Victoria issue, printed in the same deep green. Stamp-on-stamp issues like this are a particular delight — a centenary celebrated by returning to where it all began.
• The 75th Anniversary of Nationhood (18c, 1976) — Australia became a federated nation on January 1, 1901, and this navy-blue stamp marks the 75th anniversary with the full Commonwealth coat of arms — kangaroo, emu, shield, and all.
• The Women's Wartime Services 50th Anniversary (43c, 1991) — "Join Us in a Victory Job" reads the bold wartime poster design on this stamp, honoring the Australian women who served in military and civilian roles during World War II. It's a vivid piece of social history that resonates well beyond the stamp itself.
• The AUSIPEX 84 stamp exhibition issue (30c) — Issued for the 1984 International Stamp Exhibition held in Melbourne, this stamp reproduces Australia's first stamp — the 1d "One Penny" — within its design, a fitting tribute at a gathering of the world's philatelic community.

Beyond these highlights, the packet covers an exceptional range of subjects. You'll find kangaroos, Merino sheep, and sharks alongside King George VI definitives, Christmas issues, National Stamp Week designs, Antarctic territory stamps, military uniform commemoratives, and Aboriginal heritage issues. Whether your passion is wildlife, royalty, aviation, exploration, or simply building a strong Commonwealth holding, there's something here that will earn a place in your album — and likely spark some new collecting inspiration.

Eight hundred stamps. One extraordinary continent. Add this collection to your album today.