Details on 1 campsites within 100km of Burke & Wills Dig Tree (Nappa Merrie),

Burke & Wills Dig Tree (Nappa Merrie) Campground

Last Updated Oct 2014 | Originally suggested by ossiejs

Truly a national icon, this historic site is where explorers Burke and Wills were expecting to meet the remainder of their 1861 expedition party after returning from the Gulf.

However, all they found was a blazed tree and a limited amount of supplies buried. Burke later died under the tree.

The camping area is right on the northern bank of Cooper's Creek with signposted access off the Adventure Way. Nappa Merrie Station manages 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 the Coolibah is 200-250 years old.

Before the base camp party deserted the depot (stockade Depot Camp 65), only hours before Burke and Wills returned from the Gulf, they had buried some provisions in the remote chance of Burke and Wills' return. 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 over 150 years ago.

Note: South Australia Desert Parks Pass does not cover the â€˜Dig Treeâ€™ Site Management Fee.

Closest supplies, including fuel and potable water, available in Innaminka, SA. Some timber is provided by the Station

Facilities and activities at Burke & Wills Dig Tree (Nappa Merrie)

Number of sites:

Camping Fees:

$11.00 per vehicle per night.

Bookings:

Self serve booth at campsite.

How to book:

Toilets:

No toilets available at this campsite

Pets:

It is not known if pets are allowed at this campsite

Water Availability:

No water available at this campsite

Camp fires:

There are no built fireplaces in this camp ground, however it may be permisable to have a camp fire under certain conditions. Please check local fire restrictions and rules before lighting fires.

Barbeques: