- Site believed to be the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) Shipwreck Survivors Camp, dating back to 1656 granted protection granted under the Heritage Act 2018 through a formal Consent Order
- Strict penalties apply for anyone interfering with the protected site
- WA Museum to continue archaeological investigations under the Consent Order
- Cook Government protecting WA's heritage and environment for future generations
A newly identified historically significant 17th-century shipwreck survivors camp has been granted special protection under Western Australia's heritage laws.
Heritage Minister Simone McGurk has approved a Consent Order under the Heritage Act 2018 to protect what is believed to be a Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) Shipwreck Survivors Camp.
In 2024, a set of objects found by a member of the public at a coastal location near where the Dutch ship had wrecked was surrendered to the Western Australian Museum. These objects suggested the possibility of a previously unknown survivors camp site associated with the 1656 Dutch shipwreck Vergulde Draeck.
The Dutch East India Company vessel ran aground, with 75 survivors making it to shore. The objects, including stoneware sherds, a pair of navigational dividers, a brass clasp, and a lead fishing sinker, were consistent with items already held in the WA Museum collection from the Vergulde Draeck wreck site.
Early in 2025, the museum's maritime archaeologists undertook archaeological excavations at the site, which produced additional evidence to support the theory that the site is likely a 17th-century survivors camp associated with the Vergulde Draeck.
The newly identified site is exceptionally rare and extremely archaeologically significant in helping unlock more about the history of the wreck and its survivors.
The Consent Order ensures the site is protected until such time it is revoked by the Heritage Minister. The protection will enable the WA Museum to continue investigations to confirm the site's full extent and significance.
It also means unauthorised excavation or interference with the site, including any metal detecting, is strictly prohibited and severe penalties apply for any actions that disturb or damage a protected place.
Objects excavated from the site are now on display at the WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle.
As stated by Heritage Minister Simone McGurk:
"This is a remarkable archaeological discovery that allows us to learn more about Dutch exploration and survival along Western Australia's coast in the 1600s.
"The Consent Order under the Heritage Act 2018 will protect the Vergulde Draeck Shipwreck Survivors Camp.
"Protecting this site ensures an irreplaceable part of our shared history is preserved for future generations."
