The Principality of Hutt River, An Independent Sovereign State

About 100km north of Geraldton is "a country within a country".  The Principality of Hutt River is an Independent Sovereign State that seceded from Australia in 1970.  This action was precipitated by the introduction of wheat quotas by the WA state government which farmer Leonard Casley saw as grossly unfair.  He set in train the events which led to the secession on 21st April 1970.  The Principality of Hutt River is recognised as a sovereign state with diplomatic representation in several countries. It has it's own passport and stamps.

We spent a very enjoyable and entertaining couple of hours in the company of H.R.H. Prince Graeme.  The Sovereign, H.R.H. Prince Leonard was in Northampton visiting the Airing of the Quilts, so we didn't get to meet him, maybe next time.

The town site of Nain has several buildings including Government Offices, the Post Office and a Souvenir shop and Curiosities building.  The Chapel houses the thrones and is the place where investitures and other official activities take place.

The Principality is about 75sqkm (18,500 acres) in area.  The prime industry is still farming, predominantly wheat and lupins, and tourism, with almost 20,000 visitors per year.  There's a campground for travellers.