Book Direct with the Owner at Burke And Wills Dig Tree with Accommodation Nelson Bay in Thargomindah, for all your Attraction and travel needs.
The Burke and wills ‘Dig Tree' is one of Australia's national icons and an enduring reminder of our pioneering spirit. Nappa Merrie Station is proud to officially manage the site on behalf of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. Located on the Northern bank of Coopers Creek the ‘Dig Tree' is a Coolibah (Eucalyptus microtha). It is believed that the tree is 200-250 years old.
Before the base camp party deserted the depot (stockade Depot Camp 65), only hours before Burke and Wills did return from the Gulf, they had buried some provisions in the remote chance of Burke and Wills return and instructions to dig were carved into the trunk of the tree. The three blazes on the dig tree were:
B LXV Trunk, creek side
Dig 3FT NW Trunk, land side
Dec 6 60 April 21 61 Limb upstream
These Blazes have now been covered to help preserve the tree. Burke's face was carved into another tree (the ‘Face Tree') about 30m downstream of the ‘Dig Tree' by John Dick in 1898 and is still clearly visible. Apart from the boardwalk structure built around the tree to help protect it, the site as you view it now is as Burke and Wills and companions would have viewed it back in 1860.
For additional information please go to: http://www.thargotourism.com.au/the-burke-and-wills-dig-tree
Management Fee
A ‘Dig Tree’ Advisory Board has been established comprising the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environment, Bulloo Shire Council, Santos and the Royal Historical Society of Queensland, whose role is to oversee the management of the Tree and its surrounds. To assist maintain and improve facilities, develop and protect the site for the enjoyment of present and future generations a small management fee will apply to visitors wishing to access the ‘Dig Tree’ site. An entry fee of $11 per vehicle, or $33 per bus will be collected. Please note that the South Australia Desert Parks Pass does not cover the ‘Dig Tree’ Site Management Fee.
Camping is permitted at the site anywhere within the fenced area around the ‘Dig Tree’. Basic bush camping facilities are provided including firewood. Fishing is permitted at the site with a good supply of Yellowbelly in Cooper Creek (limits apply). Native flora and fauna is abundant and there are opportunities for bird watching along the creek. Shooting is strictly prohibited. Please feel free to contact the Ranger on 07 4655 4323 or UHF1 (One) for more information or assistance.
