Explorers, pioneers and settlers
Western Australia's Coral Coast is a region rich in history and heritage, influenced by many explorers, pioneers and settlers, the most notable of which include Dirk Hartog and Monsignor Hawes.
Dirk Hartog
The Dutch explorer landed the Eendracht on Dirk Hartog Island, off the coast of Shark Bay on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, in October 1616. The explorer and his crew stayed on the island for two days and left a pewter plate engraved with his name and the date, making it the first recorded European landing on Australian soil.
Monsignor Hawes
English architect and priest John Hawes moved to Western Australia in 1915 to work as a country pastor in Geraldton. In his 24 years in Western Australia, this extraordinary pioneer was responsible for designing and building over 16 churches in the State’s mid-west region, including Western Austrailia’s Coral Coast. Some of his most impressive works include the Spanish mission style St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton, the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St Peter and St Paul in Mullewa and the Sacred Heart Convent and Our Lady in Ara Coeli Church in Northampton.
The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail celebrates the enormous contribution he made to the region. This four-day self drive tour takes you through the scenic Murchison region, Mullewa, Northampton and Geraldton, visiting 15 buildings of his design and other sites significant to his life.
There are also many museums and historic sites throughout Western Australia’s Coral Coast which pay tribute to the region’s early pioneers and settlers. These include the character stone buildings of Central Greenough Historical Settlement, Carnarvon Historical Precinct and the National Trust-listed Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Museum.
For a real outback experience, take one of the Outback Pathways and follow in the tracks of the early pioneers and settlers. Leading you through vast, rugged and timeless landscapes, the Woolwagon Pathway, Miners Pathway and the Kingsford Smith Mail Run include interpretive signs providing an insight into the history of pioneers and settlers of Western Australia’s Coral Coast.