Local Government
Shark Bay
Region
Gascoyne
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Cape Inscription Dirk Hartog Island
Location Details
Dirk Hartog Island
Construction Date
Constructed from 1616, Constructed from 1697
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 12 Dec 1997 | Category 1 |
Category 1 |
|
Statement of Significance
The inscription posts at Cape Inscription have high historic significance for their connection with the first documented European landings on the Australian continent.
Physical Description
Set high on a rocky cliff on the north west tip of Dirk Hartog Island are two timber posts. The original inscription plates have been removed for safe keeping. This site is in close proximity to the Cape Inscription Lighthouse and Quarters. A plaque on the lighthouse documents the history of the inscription posts.
History
On the 26 October, 1616 Dirk Hartog, Dutch navigator, landed in the vicinity of Dirk Hartog Island. He had sailed from Amsterdam on the Dutch trading ship 'Eendracht' and marked the place of his landfall at Cape Inscription by the erection of an inscribed pewter plate, nailed to a timber post.
In 1697, Dutch navigator Willem de Vlamingh, in the ship 'Geelvink', searching for the ship 'Ridderschap van Holland', recorded the areas of the Swan River, Rottnest Island and subsequently landed at Cape Inscription. He found the pewter plate erected by Dirk Hartog and delivered it to the Dutch authorities. Vlamingh erected another memorial plaque in the same location, recording his own visit and Dirk Hartog's original visit.
(Sources: Carmody, R.W., "Shark Bay - Its Story, 1616-1969", Thesis for the Teachers' Higher Certificate, 1970, Perth. p6.
Stanbury, M., "Historic Sites in Shark Bay", Western Australian Maritime Museum, Fremantle. p. 1
McCarthy, M., The 'Gascoyne Coast' suggestions for Cartographic Services Branch, DOLA., Western Australian Maritime Museum, Fremantle, 1992.)
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity: High Degree
Condition
Good
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| RW Carmody; "Shark Bay, 1616-1969",P.6 | Thesis for Teacher's Higher Certificate | 1970 | |
| M Stanbury; "Historic Site in Shark Bay ". P.1 | Department of Maritime Archeaology, WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle WA |
Place Type
Historic Site
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | OTHER | Other |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Exploration & surveying |
Creation Date
28 Mar 2012Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.