Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

STAND 232 - Tourism Pavilion

Discover Dirk Hartog Island National Park and the exciting, new Return to 1616 project that is restoring the island’s flora and fauna.

Discover Dirk Hartog Island National Park and the exciting, new Return to 1616 ecological restoration project that is revitalising the island’s flora and fauna.  Known as Wirruwana to the Malgana traditional owners, the island is now the focus of a major ecological restoration project that is unique in the world, being conducted by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Since Dirk Hartog’s voyage onboard the Eendracht in 1616, the island’s pristine wildlife and vegetation has been devastated by introduced weeds and animals causing the local extinction of many native animal species. To reverse this decline, the Return to 1616 Dirk Hartog Island National Park Ecological Restoration Project is revitalising the island’s flora and fauna. With the removal of introduced animals including feral goats and sheep, the vegetation is recovering and providing native animals with more food and shelter. Removal of feral cats from the entire island has ‘paved the way’ for the translocation of 12 threatened native mammals and one bird species to the island. Since 2018, four species have been translocated with more soon to follow.

Come along and find out about the fascinating native animals you may meet when you visit the island with free fact sheets and colour ins for the kids and meet Charlie Chuditch.