As early explorers travelled Australia, they would sometimes bury items – and mark the tree above the stash.
For instance, we visited Ludwig Leichhardt’s Dig Tree in Comet, east of Emerald in the Central Highlands of Queensland. It was from his second expedition in 1847, where he buried a powder canister with despatches of his plans.
The tree was originally from the junction of the Comet and Nagoa Rivers, before it was removed for safe keeping to Brisbane.
View the tree at the Railway Station and Whistle Stop Park – as well as a replica. You can also check out photographic history and memorabilia in the Old Station.
Conveniently, it is a handy spot for travellers nowadays! With toilets, shaded picnic facilities and a fenced playground is a pretty, grassy park. It is a day use area only – no camping permitted. Find it in our Camps Australia Wide App.
The most famous Dig Tree is that of Burke and Wills Dig Tree at Coopers Creek, also in Queensland. Supplies were left under the tree. Unfortunately, Coopers Creek was also where Burke and Wills died. Only one member of the 1861 expedition survived.
You can camp here overnight. It is located within Nappa Merrie Station in the Bulloo Shire – and a long way from shops, food and petrol!
Let us know if you see a Dig Tree on your travels!
Find these sites and more nearby in the CAMPS guide books, new CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App.
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