The Principality of Hutt River, a popular tourist attraction founded by the self-styled Prince Leonard Casley, and never legally recognised by Australia or any other country, announced on Monday Tuesday 4th August 20202 that it was rejoining the Commonwealth of Australia as a result of “harsh times” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Prince Leonard passed away in February 2019 aged 93. His successor, his son Prince Graeme, shut down the Principality this past week due to financial difficulties ... and an ongoing dispute with the Australian Tax Office over a $3 million tax debt.
At 75 sq km (18,500 acres) in area, the former self-styled principality in rural Western Australia, 517km north of
Perth, is the size of Hong Kong and has a
population of 26.
Hutt River seceded from Australia in April 1970 after a dispute with the state government over wheat production quotas, and later became a tourist attraction that printed its own currency, the Hutt River dollar, and stamped the passports of visitors.
The ExplorOz Team phoned Hutt River Province on 24th August 2020 and was advised directly that they have been closed since January. No visitors. No camping. Up for sale.