The modern-day replica of the Dutch trading ship the Duyfken set sail from Fremantle on Thursday for a voyage around the state to commemorate 400 years since the voyage to Western Australia by explorer Dirk Hartog in 1616.
The ship left will undertake a ten-week, 1000 kilometre journey, calling on seven ports: Bunbury, Mandurah, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Jurien Bay, Dongara, Geraldton and Denham.
The Duyfken arrived in Bunbury on Friday and is scheduled to embark for Mandurah on September 4.
Duyfken chief Peter Bowman said he hoped for a 10am, September 5 arrival, tides permitting.
Members of the public and school children will have the rare opportunity to interact with the Duyfken, which is described as a floating museum built to tell the story of European contact with Australia in the 1600s.
The crew will also show the public how Dutchmen, such as Dirk Hartog, made a major contribution to the mapping of Australia's coastline from as early as 1606.
“We are really excited to bring the ship to Mandurah and hope to see people gathered either side of the estuary mouth to watch its arrival,” Mr Bowman said.
“With the mouth being quite small it will be an impressive sight.”
The boat will open for public tours into the evenings on most days.
Children are also invited to a pirate day on board the ship on September 11.
The Duyfken will be in Mandurah from September 5-14, moored at the Mandurah Ocean Marina.
For more information on bookings for the general public and school groups, go to the Duyfken’s website: www.duyfken.com.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
