Whilst in Cervantes we got talking to a guy who was telling us about the Principality of Hutt River and the fact that it was its own Sovereign State. We knew nothing at all about it and it just so happened it was only 25 km's from Port Gregory where we were staying.

As we drove down the dirt roads through the endless wheat farms we were greeted by a big set of gates. We didn't know what to expect, some fruit loop who was obsessed with the idea of being a king or a prince?!

We first met Price Graham (one of the sons) and he took us through the reason and history of what turned out to be a truly magical place. Tristan was wondering where he had to pay the entrance fee as nothing in WA is has been free so far… even to walk on a Jetty. But no it was free…except for the VISA we optionally purchased as we were international visitors!!

The story goes that the government was bringing in wheat quotas for farmers for their farms of more than 3000 acres…the government put a limit of 100 acres as their quota. The reason for this was they couldn't guarantee that all of the wheat would sell and they could be faced with a glut. Prince Leonard questioned the drop in his quota and knew that his farm would be in jeopardy- so after lengthy battles with the government, he made his own sovereign state to get around the issues of the quotas.

After meeting Prince Leonard we found that he was a true Aussie fighter who was sticking up for his rights. Tristan felt like he was talking to Daryl Kerrigan from the castle… just a smarter version. He is 90 and still going strong and probably one of the loveliest and most memorable people we have met on the trip.

To Prince Leonard, Prince Graham and the Principality of Hutt River- thank-you. We will recommend Hutt River to all!