Dirk by Sea Free Public Lecture Sun 31 Jul 2016 3:30pm – 5:00pm WA Maritime Museum 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Dirk Hartog’s landing at Shark Bay – the first known European contact with Western Australia. The WA Maritime Museum and the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation are proud to present a free public lecture on the history of the journey. As part of the commemorations, the STS Leeuwin II will sail from Fremantle for a festival in Shark Bay on 21 – 25 October. Sailing enthusiasts are invited to book a berth on the voyage and follow in Hartog’s wake for the adventure of a lifetime. People intending to sail and those just curious, are invited to travel back in time with our experts: Michael Gregg, WA Museum Dutch Dodging Dangers – An introduction to the European discovery of Australia and the story of the Dutch East-India Company (the VOC). Mike Lefroy, author and educator Half a world away – An engaging look at what life was like on a VOC ship. Jen Rodrigues, WA Museum An auspicious landfall – What to expect in Shark Bay: exhibitions, artworks and festival events. Alf Green, STS Leeuwin II Dirk by Sea – Description of a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to travel on a modern tall ship, WA’s own STS Leeuwin II. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and explore the free exhibition Rough Medicine: Life & Death in the Age of Sail.