Cape Inscriptiomn: National Heritage Listing website

Client: WA Maritime Museum

The Western Australian Museum's Department of Maritime Archaeology received a grant to conduct an archaeological survey and excavation on Dirk Hartog Island. This was undertaken between 29 September and 24 October 2006. The aim was to research and record significant archaeological sites within, and outside of, the Cape Inscription National Heritage Listed area.

Dirk Hartog Landing Site 1616 - Cape Inscription Area was added to the National Heritage List in 2006. The List recognises and protects our most valued natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places.

Dirk Hartog Island is named for the visit of the Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog in 1616, who made one of the first recorded landfalls by a European on the Australian coastline. Hartog left a pewter plate to commemorate his visit, thus establishing a tradition of leaving material reminders of visitations. This tradition was continued by later Dutch and French explorers, including Willem de Vlamingh who produced the first map of the region.

Five main areas were documented on the Cape Inscription Web site: Dirk Hartog and Willem De Vlamingh Plates; De St Aloüarn Annexation; Persévérant; Quoin Bluff and Notch Point.