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Cape Inscription

Tourist attractions

Description

Enjoy stunning views of the beach and rocky headland at the most northerly point of Dirk Hartog Island National Park, which is also arguably the most historically significant site in Australia.

This was the site of the first recorded landing by Europeans on Australian soil, when Dutchman Dirk Hartog came ashore in 1616 on the northern end of the island which now bears his name. He left a record of his landing inscribed on a pewter plate nailed to a post in a cleft of rock on the high cliff. Today, more modern posts mark this spot.
The Cape Inscription lighthouse - together with the keepers' quarters - was built between 1908 and 1910. It still operates, but has been automated since 1917. In 2012, the Shire of Shark Bay renovated the lighthouse keepers' quarters, which had fallen into disrepair over the years since lighthouse automation.

This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au

Details

Natural attractions: Islands

Parks: 2WD Access - No

Location

Dirk Hartog Island, WA

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Cape Inscription - Localista

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