Hutt River Province

The Principality of Hutt River was established on 21st April 1970 when land owner, Leonard Casley, seceded his 18,500 acre farming property from the Commonwealth of Australia following disagreements with government over agricultural quotas and land resumption threats. The townsite is now called Nain. Road access is via some unsealed but well kept roads. Travel north from Northampton and turn left at Ogilvie Road West thence on about 30 kms

Hutt River - Entrance Gate

This is the entrance to the Hutt River Province town of Nain. It is on the Ogilvie Road West, very close to the corner of Box Road. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT001

Hutt River - Road Sign

So, here we are. On Ogilvie West Road and the kindly local government has even signposted our destination. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT002

Hutt River - Welcome Pavilion

The Hutt River welcome pavilion. At the front is a bust of Prince Leonard. Inside are a couple of curious sculptures. The walls are lined with various facts and figures. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT003

Hutt River - Welcome Pavilion

The statue behind the bust. I wonder who did this? It seems rather futuristic and very clever. Construction uses many day-to-day metal objects such as saws and forks. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT004

Hutt River - Government Offices

Next to the church are the Government Offices which includes the Post Office. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT005

Hutt River - Government Offices

Inside the Government Offices. The counter is lined with postage stamps, coins and bank notes. Here you can purchase your visitor visa for $4.00. There is much memorabilia on the walls and artefacts in cabinets. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT006

Hutt River - Souvenir Centre

The front of the souvenir centre just across the yard from the Government Offices. The plaque out the front displays the secession date. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT007

Hutt River - Souvenir Centre

Inside the souvenir centre. Once again, there is much memorabilia on display. Prince Leonard kindly talked us through the history of several items. Despite his advanced years (86, I recall him saying), he is still very passionate about his beliefs and eloquent of speech. His statehood has been recognised as valid by some other nations of which he has supporting photos and documents. He also has a few supportive correspondences from a former Governor and a government minister. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT008

Hutt River - Souvenir Centre

Prince Leonard was happy to talk about his memorabilia with visitors on this day. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT009

Hutt River - Chapel Of Nain

The Chapel of Nain, named after Nain in Israel, a village in Galilee, as is this village. The Chapel opening was attended by representatives of the Jewish, Anglican, Presbyterian and Catholic faiths. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT010

Hutt River - Chapel of Nain

Inside the chapel the walls are adorned by quite a number of spectacular paintings. Some are religious in nature, some depict scenery. It is all rather well done. Inside the church are the "thrones" of the heads of the principality, on either side of the pulpit. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT011

Hutt River - Chapel of Nain

Another view inside the chapel but alas not looking as clear as I would have liked. You can see the "thrones". December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT012

Hutt River - Flag

The flag of Hutt River flies above the souvenir centre. A seemingly angelic figure carrying the scales of justice? December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT013

Hutt River - Spirit World

Prince Leonard and his late wife Shirley explored spirituality. Prince Leonard was and still is something of a mathematical genius. They have sought to combine both disciplines in here. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT014

Hutt River - Spirit World

Animals with their spirit numbers line the shrine. In the foreground is an obelisk inset with stones. Guarding the gate are a couple of statues of Chinese warriors. Quite a mix. December 2015. Photos Ref: HUTT015

(Update: Prince Leonard Casley died on 13 February 2019. His title and property had passed to his youngest son Grahame earlier, upon Leonard's abdication in 2017. The Principality of Hutt River became closed to the public from 31 January 2020. The Principality was then ceded back to the Commonwealth of Australia as its territory in August 2020. The property was later sold off to settle tax debts. Such a colourful chapter.)

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