2026-10-25 · history
Dirk Hartog's Historic Plate in Australia
In 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog made a significant mark in history by leaving a plate on an island in Shark Bay, Western Australia. This plate, made of pewter, is considered the oldest-known artefact of European exploration in Australia, serving as a tangible connection to early maritime exploration. Hartog's journey not only highlighted the age of exploration but also opened up new avenues for navigation and understanding of the Australian coastline.
Fun fact. The Hartog Plate is the oldest-known European artefact found in Australia.