On October 25, 1616, the Dutch sea captain Dirk Hartog arrived at what would later be known as Dirk Hartog Island, part of the western Australian coastline. Hartog was navigating the waters while on a journey to the East Indies, which was a key area for trade during the early 17th century. This landing marked the second documented European contact with Australia, following the earlier visit by the Portuguese explorer Cristóvão de Mendonça. Upon landing, Hartog and his crew encountered Indigenous Australians, who inhabited the region at the time, leading to brief interactions. During his stay, Hartog also placed a metal plate on the island to commemorate his arrival and to assert Dutch claims over the newly discovered lands.The metal plate, inscribed with details of Hartog's journey, would later be discovered by other explorers, further highlighting the maritime routes and European interest in the Australian continent. This act of placing a plate is significant as it symbolizes European exploration and claiming of new territories, a practice that often led to the colonization and dramatic changes to Indigenous cultures. Hartog's expedition contributed to the broader narrative of exploration during the Age of Discovery and increased European awareness of the vast Australian continent and its resources.