History of Melbourne Prints, Maps and Vintage Suburban Icons Wall Art

Own a piece of Melbourne’s transport history with this patina-aged reproduction of the 1928 W-Class W2 tram blueprint. The original pen-and-ink drawing on linen, signed by designer Tom Percival Strickland, reveals the detailed plans, elevations and sections that defined the second iteration of Melbourne’s most iconic tram.

With a 52-seat capacity and proportions that influenced every W-Class model that followed, the W2 design became a landmark in the city’s tramway legacy. The W2 Class remained in service until its final withdrawal in 1987, making this print a lasting reminder of a tram that shaped daily life in Melbourne for nearly six decades.

A striking addition for design enthusiasts, history lovers and anyone who cherishes Melbourne’s heritage.

If you live just east of Newport Lakes Reserve, this is your neighbourhood’s original estate auction plan from 1853. This historic map details the early subdivision of the area encompassing Blackshaws Road, Melbourne Road, Schutt Street (then known as Union Street), along with William, Elizabeth, Oxford, Johnston, and Junction Streets.

In 1853, Newport was on the edge of transformation, beginning to feel the trickle of growth spilling over from Melbourne’s booming inner suburbs. The quarry that would one day become Newport Lakes Reserve was little more than open paddocks. Cattle grazed freely, early steam trains rattled along the rails, and the sails of merchant ships could be seen drifting along the Yarra Yarra River.

Beneath the plan, a hand-drawn artist’s impression captures a rare glimpse of the area as it may have appeared—sparse, pastoral, and peaceful—with a handful of tall ships anchored near what we now know as Sandy Point Nature Reserve.

This artwork is reproduced at high resolution and is suitable for printing up to A1 size.

When it came time to vote, you’d need to know what district you are in. These maps were produced for the 1956 local elections. These are a big seller because of the wonderful nostalgic feel, detailed and current streets with suburb name and boundaries in a pop of blue. If you are in a late blooming street and you’ve missed out on the 1880's auction maps, then these are for you. Ideal for homes, apartments and airbnb’s in Essendon, Moonee Ponds & Pascoe Vale.