The map was first published in 1939 and was produced by the Department of the Interior with an accompanying handbook.

The hand over by the Australian Antarctic Division coincides with the 75th anniversary of the transfer of the Australian Antarctic Territory from Great Britain to Australia in 1933.

A spokesman for the National Archives says the map is an important part of Australia's history in the frozen continent and will provide a valuable resource for historians, scientists and researchers.

Source: Reported by ABC Australia, Copyright 2008