Burke and Wills’ tree markings preserved

Scarred trees that bear the markings of the ill-fated expedition by two of Australia’s best-known explorers, Burke and Wills, have been entered in the Queensland Heritage Register.

Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara said the group of trees marks the expedition’s northern most camp at Little Bynoe River, 35 kilometres southwest of Normanton.

“Blazing and carving trees was the usual means of marking a trail in the early days of Australian exploration,” Mr McNamara said.

“Ten trees survive today at the northern encampment. It’s remarkable they are still standing in such inhospitable country and vital they be preserved.”

Fifteen trees were blazed and carved by the exploration party during their stopover from 11 to 14 February 1861 during their historic attempt to traverse Australia from south to north.

Another tree was blazed about a kilometre away by rescuer Frederick Walker when his party arrived in the area in January 1862 searching for the missing explorers.

Unknown to Walker, Robert Burke and Williams Wills had already perished back at Coopers Creek.

Queensland Heritage Council chair David Eades said the Burke and Wills camp was of particular archaeological interest.

“There’s potential to yield artefacts and information that adds to our understanding of the practice and processes of nineteenth century exploration of Australia’s north generally, and of this famous exploration particularly,” Mr Eades said.

He congratulated Carpentaria Shire Council for its site protection work, funded under the Community Memorial Restoration Program.

More information: Scott Dixon 3336 8004