There are a number of stories and myths about a Dutch colony in Central Australia dating back to the 18th century. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that a group of Dutch settlers ever established a colony in the region.

The story seems to have originated in the early 20th century, when a number of books and articles were published claiming that Dutch explorers or shipwreck survivors had established a settlement in the interior of Australia. Some of these accounts suggested that the Dutch colonists had intermarried with Aboriginal people and that their descendants continued to live in the region.

However, there is no reliable historical evidence to support these claims. There are no records of any Dutch settlements or expeditions in the region during this period, and no archaeological evidence has been found to suggest the presence of a Dutch colony.

While it is possible that some Dutch explorers may have visited the region and interacted with local Indigenous communities, there is no evidence to suggest that a permanent settlement was ever established. The stories of a Dutch colony in Central Australia remain a fascinating mystery, but one that is unlikely to be resolved without further evidence.

The Lost White Tribes of Australia

Author Henry Van Zanden points out what he believes is evidence of a Dutch settlement north of Perth. (Source ABC)

“The story of ‘The Lost White Tribes of Australia’ by Henry Van Zanden confirms long-standing rumours, never previously proven true, that a community of Dutch descended people was found… in the early 19th century. The community was living proof that foreigners has occupied the content long before the British and if its existence became known the UK’s claim to sovereignty could be threatened, So it was kept a secret and has remained so to this day”

Research form Australia’s Bush Tucker Man Les Hiddens

Les Hiddens, also known as “The Bush Tucker Man,” is an Australian television personality and former soldier who has conducted extensive research on bush tucker and Aboriginal culture. He has made a number of claims about the existence of a Dutch colony in Central Australia, but these claims have not been substantiated by historical evidence.

In his book “Bush Tucker Man: Stories of Exploration and Survival,” Hiddens recounts a number of stories and legends he has heard from Indigenous people about the presence of European settlers in the region. He suggests that the Dutch may have established a colony in the area in the early 18th century, possibly as a result of shipwrecks or exploratory expeditions.

Were There Dutch Castaways in Central Australia?

Were the first European Australians Dutch? ABC Videos from 2018 and 2022

Paper written by Les Hiddens.

See also: Australian Descendants of the VOC