The Principality of Hutt River, often referred to by its former name, the Hutt River Province, was a micronation in Australia. The principality claimed to be an independent sovereign state and was founded on 21 April 1970 when Leonard Casley declared his farm to be an independent country over a dispute concerning wheat production quotas.
The principality was located 517 km (354 mi) north of Perth, near the town of Northampton in the state of Western Australia. It had an area of 75 square kilometres (29 sq mi), making it larger than several recognized countries.
In February 2017, at the age of 91 and after ruling for 45 years and bestowing himself a title, , Casley abdicated the throne in favour of his youngest son, ‘Prince’ Graeme. ‘Prince’ Leonard died on 13 February 2019
The principality of Hutt River was a regional tourist attraction until it announced it was closed to tourists after 31 January 2020. It issued its own currency, stamps and passports (which were not recognised by the Australian government or any other government). Hutt River was finally dissolved on 3 August 2020.
Of the roughly 100 self-declared independent entities around the world, about a third of these can be found in Australia.
To find out more about the history behind this unusual scenario here are some further useful links:
