While many fear that internal border restrictions are harming Australians’ sense of unity, the Covid-19 crisis has – ironically – also led to the country’s ‘re-unification’.
The self-styled independent Principality of Hutt River in Outback Western Australia has announced it is to rejoin the Commonwealth of Australia as a result of the ‘harsh times’ caused by the pandemic.
The micronation was forced to shut its borders to tourists due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Founded in 1970 over a dispute over wheat, the Principality was never legally recognised by Australia or any other country … but it did become a hugely popular tourist attraction.
It famously printed its own currency, the Hutt River dollar, and stamped the passports of visitors … including huge numbers of curious grey nomads.
The ‘nation’ located some 500 kilometres north of Perth boasts landmarks such as Mount Secession and Lake Beginning, as well as a memorabilia department and historical society.
Its website described it as ‘undulating farmland well covered in places with a wealth of shrubs and glorious wildflowers in season.
In 1977, Hutt River briefly declared war on Australia over what Casley described as then prime minister Malcolm Fraser’s hostilities.
The principality’s Founder, Leonard Casley, died last year, having abdicated the throne to his son Graeme in 2017.
After announcing that Hutt River was to rejoin the Australian family, Graeme Casley told the ABC that the property would now be sold to pay a mounting debt to the previously-foreign Australian Tax Office.
Hutt River is survived by other self-proclaimed micronations within Australia, including the Empire of Atlantium and the Principality of Snake Hill and the Murrawarri Republic.
Drove straight past. Felt I was silly enough now without exposing myself to absolute ratbags.
Prince Leonard was a most interesting chap and was very knowledgeable on many subjects, he did a lot of good for the WA potato growers. Graeme was/is a very astute business man and knew how to promote tourism – It is a real pity that the Province will be no more – It has a great camping and caravan area at very reasonable prices – unfortunately we don’t go there now as Prince Leonard’s passing has curtailed all the political discussions we used to have whilst sitting out on his verandah – maybe when the borders open up again we may make a trip, just to have a bit of a reminisce with his family.
I also enjoyed my stay there many years ago and found him to be an extremely interesting and intelligent man.
He was recognised as this by many people from many countries around the world.
I feel fortunate to have enjoyed my stay there and having some great conversations with a person who had an IQ well above normal.
Was a fun place to visit esp to oversea tourists. Remember sitting in the kings throne and having a selfish with the Princess.. Leonard had some real funny stories inc with i think his official car a Mercedes.
He also had a 1981 Rolls Royce Silver Spur – Which was gifted to him.
It was a privilege and a pleasure to visit Hutt River, Prince Leonard was gracious and interesting. The history of his war with Australia was fascinating – The Mouse That Roared ☺
It was an experience I will remember fondly.
Many countries are now refusing entry to passengers with novelty stamps in their passports. Your passport is an important document, not a scrapbook. It’s Australian government property and you’ve now defaced it.
Dennis, Hutt River Province stamp has never been questioned, by any National Authority even Australian on re-entry, who have strict rules’. Technically it was a legal entity and as such could issue it’s own “Border Rules”. Much to the chagrin of Malcolm Fraser, publicly expressed opinion, not necessarily his private opinion though, (first hand knowledge).
He declared war on the Govt of Australia…two days later he surrended . This was done to gain protection and assistance from the United Nations in Warsaw from harassment from any hostile Government or entity seeking to take over or take advantage of his Province. After that his Province was recognised by six European countries who assisted his cause for independence. He was a very smart man.
It was a great hideaway to avoid the rush on the coast during school holidays. You did have to plan an afternoon movie inside your van to avoid the flies though! Nice people. Nice land. I dunno about the numerology temple though. The museum and PO were great. Yes, war was declared to keep from being persecuted. Also the Queen sent a letter, so it was recognised.