HMS Australia, Royal Naval Coastguard ship. HMS Australia - Coastguard Ship in Southampton Water Australia was a steel first-class cruiser and was completed for sea in 1888. She was built by Messrs Napier at Glasgow, and engined by the same firm. Commanded in 1896 by Captain W A D Acland Courtesy:- You can click on most images to see larger images or more information. We wish to buy Stevengraphs. One at a time or collections. We also seek photos, brochures or any item of related history. Malcolm J Roebuck, Copyright © 1999-2023 Stevengraphs Bookmarks & Postcards Etc.