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Exploring Dirk Hartog Island: A Journey of History, Art and Gin

Dirk Hartog Island
One of the highlights of last year was our invitation by Tory and Kieran Wardle to visit Dirk Hartog Island(Wirruwana), where we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Island's history and create artworks for their upcoming gin distillery at the homestead.
It was a dream opportunity for me, as my goal is to leave a trail of artworks across Australia that narrate stories of Australian history, and Dirk Hartog Island was at the top of the list.
When Dirk Hartog left his pewter plate at Cape Inscription in 1616, it marked the first documented and proven landing of a European on the Western Australian shore, making the plate the oldest European relic relating to Australian history.
During our stay, I focused on depicting the island's history, particularly the 1900s, featuring the builders of the lighthouse, glimpses of station life, and the hardworking station-hands who managed over 20,000 merino sheep at the island's peak.
I painted the artwork over old formwork boards and water tank panels that we found in the yard, as I loved the natural rust and aging marks on each piece. These paintings will be displayed alongside the legendary woodwork of Viking Concepts who also constructed the iconic Homestead beach bar.
In 1968, Sir Thomas Wardle purchased the pastoral leasehold land, and three decades later, Kieran and Tory led the island into its first steps toward tourism, evolving into one of Australia’s top eco-destinations.
Kieran, Tory, and their family are truly inspiring, dedicated to sharing the island's pristine beauty while also protecting and rejuvenating the World Heritage Site.
Add this gem to your bucket list, as the island is truly one-of-a-kind! Thanks for having us and we can't wait to be back!
Special thanks to @WillWardlemedia for the amazing drone footage!
 
 

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

Shakey Artist painting at Dirk Hartog Island

One of Shakey's Dirk Hartog Pieces painted on an old bit of water tank found on the island.

The Inscription Gin Dirk Hartog Barge. The only way to get your car to the Island.

The Inscription Gin Dirk Hartog Barge. The only way to get your car to the Island.

Shakey found some suitable canvas pieces from all over the station.

Shakey found some suitable canvas pieces from all over the station.

Cars towing boats waiting to load onto the Barge at Steep Point.

Cars towing boats waiting to load onto the Barge at Steep Point.

Beautiful blue waters of western Australia - Dirk Hartog Island
old bottles at dirk Hartog island
Historical Woolshed at Dirk Hartog Island
A very old Wool Press at Dirk Hartog Woolshed

A very old Wool Press at Dirk Hartog Woolshed

Bowie the Dirk Hartog Island Dog. Always keen for a swim!

Bowie the Island Dog. Always keen for a swim!

The old woolshed at Dirk Hartog Island

The old woolshed at Dirk Hartog Island

Old Fence posts that are found all over the island when it was a sheep station

Old Fence posts that are found all over the island when it was a sheep station

The beautiful beach at Dirk Hartog Island in front of the homestead

The beautiful beach in front of the homestead

The lodge at Dirk Hartog Island

The Lodge

Wild Flowers and dunes near the airstrip

Shakey painting a historical picture on an old mud-brick mold

Shakey painting a historical picture on an old mud-brick mold

Making Pizzas with Tori the Masterchef!

Making Pizzas with Tori the Masterchef!

Bungarra lizard at Dirk Hartog Island

Bungarra lizards were all over the island

Some of the shells Sienna found on the beach out the front of the lodge.

Some of the shells Sienna found on the beach out the front of the lodge.

Tori and Kerien Wardle at Dirk Hartog Island

Tori and Kerien Wardle at Dirk Hartog Island

"It was by chance we saw Jacob (Shakey) doing what he does best at Bullara Station and I was hopeful that one day we would be able to have him and his gorgeous family come and stay with us on Dirk Hartog Island.  

We were after a series of paintings that would tell a story of our European, pastoral and family history and Shakey nailed it!!  He chose old pieces of form work and rusty water tank panels to paint on to produce the most surreal pieces of art, they are extraordinary!
  Shakey’s pieces hang on the walls of our new shed which is being converted into a small batch distillery and will be on show for many decades to come.
Shakey and Ange are not just incredibly talented (Ange is a brilliant photographer) but they are the most beautiful humans and their gorgeous girls were a joy to hang out with." TORI & KIERAN WARDLE

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2 Comments

Nov 5, 2025, 7:56:20 PM

Ange Butler - I love this!!! What a time to be alive. So many great memories

Oct 30, 2025, 9:30:18 AM

RONALD JOHN HOBBY - What fabulous fabulous photos...when I was about six my father the Reverend Ron Hobby cut the shell grit blocks for the Denham chapel! We stayed at Alan Kopke's home...he had TWO aeroplanes! What a treasure is your website. Regards! PS We went over to the Island on a lovely old wooden boat with a LOT of SWAN lager! The boat had the world's slowest revving diesel engine ever and Dad swam back alongside in the nude I was so embarrassed Mum idolised Tom Wardle

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