Burke and Wills Dig Tree

The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is located on the banks of Cooper Creek, southwest of Nappa Merrie Homestead. The tree is associated with explorers Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills. The Burke and Wills expedition of 1860-61 – led by Burke – left Melbourne on 20 August 1860 with 15 men, 26 camels and drivers, packhorses, wagons and supplies. In December, Burke established a camp at Cooper’s Creek, where he instructed Officer William Brahé and party to wait there for at least three months. During this time, Brahé’s group built a timber stockade for protection. On 21 April 1861, after four months and no sight of Burke, the party was forced to abandon the depot and trek homewards. Brahé carved messages into a Coolibah tree, marking the location of cached provisions, the camp number LXV (65), and the party’s arrival and departure dates. He also marked the word ‘Dig’ on the tree. Burke’s party, comprising Burke, Wills and John King, arrived at the depot later that day, missing Brahé. Burke and Wills eventually succumbed to injuries and the environment in June 1861. King survived thanks to assistance from Aboriginal people. The Dig Tree has since become a remote-area tourist attraction.