Last Ocean Liners to Australia, Far East & Around-the-World

The 1950s to 1970s was a period of great migration to Australia, especially from Europe. Shipping lines took advantage of the demand, with some companies benefiting from the Australian government's subsidized immigration scheme.

Many shipping lines sailed via the Suez Canal or South Africa across the Indian Ocean to Australia and the Far East. Others undertook the leisurely, long voyage across the Pacific to reach Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Some of these lines offered voyages completely around the world.

Click the shipping companies below for their interesting history, ships, images and trade routes:

• American President Lines
  California to the Far East and around-the-world
• Chandris Lines
  Europe to Australia, New Zealand and around-the-world
• Eastern & Australian Line
  Australia to the Far East
• Lauro Lines
  Europe to Australia and New Zealand via Suez
• Lloyd Triestino
  Italy to the Far East and Australia via Suez
• Matson Lines
  California to Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand
• Messageries Maritimes
  France to the Far East via Suez and to Australia via Panama
• Mitsui-OSK Lines
  Latin America and California to Japan
• New Zealand Shipping Co.
  Great Britain to New Zealand via Panama
• P&O-Orient Lines
  Europe to Australia, New Zealand, the Far East, North America and around-the-world
• Royal Interocean Lines
  South America, Africa and Australia to the Far East
• Shaw Savill Line
  Great Britain to Australia, New Zealand and around-the-world
• Sitmar Line
  Europe to Australia and New Zealand via Suez and around-the-world