Dirk Hartog Island, Protected island in Shark Bay, Western Australia.
Dirk Hartog Island is an 80-kilometer-long landmass rising from the Indian Ocean with steep cliffs on its western edge and gentle beaches on its eastern shore. The island contains diverse habitats ranging from rocky coastlines to bushland in the interior.
The island takes its name from Dutch captain Dirk Hartog, who in 1616 made the first recorded European landing on Western Australian soil. He left a pewter plate upon arrival to mark his presence.
The Malgana call this island Wirruwana and maintain their relationship with the land through traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations.
Visitors need four-wheel drive vehicles to navigate the island's rough terrain, since roads are unpaved and challenging to traverse. All supplies must be brought from outside, as no stores operate within the national park.
The Return to 1616 project restored native wildlife by removing introduced species, allowing endangered mammals to repopulate their natural habitats. This restoration approach transformed the island into a model for ecological recovery.
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