| Cost | Free (day use only) |
|---|---|
| Location | Railway Station and Whistle Stop Park, Comet, Queensland (east of Emerald, Central Highlands) |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Toilets, shaded picnic facilities, fenced playground, grassy park |
| Vehicle Access | See Camps App |
| In Camps App | Yes – Leichhardt Dig Tree Rest Area, Comet |
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dig Tree?
A Dig Tree is a marked tree where early Australian explorers buried items and supplies during their expeditions. The tree above the stash would be marked so the items could be located later. Famous examples include Ludwig Leichhardt’s Dig Tree in Comet and the Burke and Wills Dig Tree at Coopers Creek.
Can I camp overnight at Ludwig Leichhardt’s Dig Tree in Comet?
No, camping is not permitted at the Leichhardt Dig Tree Rest Area in Comet. It is a day use area only, but facilities include toilets, shaded picnic areas and a fenced playground.
Where exactly is the Leichhardt Dig Tree located?
The replica and display are located at the Railway Station and Whistle Stop Park in Comet, Queensland, which is east of Emerald in the Central Highlands. The original tree was removed from the junction of the Comet and Nagoa Rivers and taken to Brisbane for safe keeping.
What facilities are available at the Leichhardt Dig Tree Rest Area?
The rest area features toilets, shaded picnic facilities, a fenced playground and a pretty grassy park. You can also view photographic history and memorabilia in the Old Station building.
What can I see at the Leichhardt Dig Tree site?
You can view both a replica of the original Dig Tree and historical displays. The Old Station building contains photographic history and memorabilia about Ludwig Leichhardt’s 1847 expedition where he buried a powder canister with despatches of his plans.
Can I camp at the Burke and Wills Dig Tree?
Yes, overnight camping is permitted at the Burke and Wills Dig Tree at Coopers Creek, unlike the Leichhardt Dig Tree. It’s located within Nappa Merrie Station in the Bulloo Shire, but be aware it’s a long way from shops, food and petrol.
What is the historical significance of Leichhardt’s Dig Tree?
Ludwig Leichhardt’s Dig Tree marks the spot where he buried a powder canister containing despatches of his plans during his second expedition in 1847. The tree is an important piece of Australian exploration history.
Is the Dig Tree suitable for families?
Yes, the Leichhardt Dig Tree Rest Area in Comet is family-friendly with a fenced playground, shaded picnic facilities and toilets in a grassy park setting. It makes a convenient stop for travellers.
