Country of registration:
Shipbuilder: John Elder & Co.
Build location: Glasgow
Build year: 1875
Built for: Sir William Pearce
s built by John Elder & Co, Glasgow in 1875 for Sir William Pearce, she was to have been named NOVA CAMBRIA, but was launched as the AUSTRALIA. She was a 2,737 gross ton ship, length 376ft x beam 37ft, one funnel, four masts (barquentine rigged for sail), iron construction, single screw and a speed of 13 knots. There was accommodation for 170-1st, 30-2nd and 100-3rd class passengers. She sailed from London in Jan.1876 for Melbourne and was then operated by Pacific Mail Steamship Co. Although Pacific Mail was an American company, the AUSTRALIA and her sister ship ZEALANDIA operated under the British flag and with British officers and Chinese crews. She commenced San Francisco to Auckland and Sydney sailings on 17th July 1876 and made calls at Honolulu and Fiji. She made her last voyage under the British flag towards the end of 1885 and was then sold to the Oceanic Steamship Co.