Burke and Wills Dig Tree

About Burke and Wills Dig Tree

Burke and Wills Dig Tree is a things to do venue in Durham, Queensland.

It is a mature Coolibah tree believed to be between 200 and 250 years old, typical for the Cooper Creek region. The Dig Tree is associated with explorers Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills.

It was one of two trees blazed by William Brahe and his party on 21 April 1861. Brahe’s party had decided to remain at Cooper’s Creek while Burke, Wills, Charles Gray, and John King continued their journey to the northern coast.

Brahe left behind a significant message pointing to a cache of buried stores. The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is located about 4-6 km southwest of the Nappa Merrie homestead.

It stands high above the creek on the southern bank of the Bulloo Bulloo waterhole. The tree has two blazes made by Brahe, one denoting his camp and the other indicating the camp’s establishment date and Brahe’s departure.

There is also a nearby tree with a message from Howitt, who arrived a year later, providing information about his depot at Cullyamurra Waterhole. The site features a boardwalk around the tree to protect the ground, as well as a stone cairn and a metal sign marking other significant locations.

Downstream from the Dig Tree is the Face Tree, which portrays Robert O’Hara Burke’s face and the letters ROHB. The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register due to its association with Burke and Wills and their ill-fated expedition.

It represents the evolution and

Good to know

• Type: Things to Do
• Area: Durham, Queensland
• Phone: (07) 4621 8095
• Website: visit ↗

Frequently asked questions

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