Cazneaux Tree, Ancient river red gum in Flinders Ranges, Australia
The Cazneaux Tree is an old eucalyptus growing in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, set alone in open grassland with a broad, gnarled trunk and wide-reaching branches. It stands in flat terrain with little else around it, making it easy to spot from a distance.
In 1937, the photographer Harold Cazneaux took a photo of this tree and titled it 'The Spirit of Endurance', an image that brought the tree to wide attention. That photograph is now considered one of the most recognised works in Australian photography.
The tree carries the name of a prominent photographer and represents to visitors the resilience of Australian nature. Many people visit to see the location that gained recognition in art history circles.
The tree sits in a remote part of the Flinders Ranges and is best reached through Wilpena Pound Resort, which is the closest base. Visitors should carry enough water and wear sturdy shoes, as the surrounding terrain is open and dry.
Harold Cazneaux was a New Zealand-born photographer who became known for his images of Australia, and this tree was among his last major works. The photo was taken just a few years before his death in 1953.
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