Landsborough Tree, historic site in Queensland, Australia
The Landsborough Tree is a protected heritage site in Queensland, Australia, standing near the Albert River in Burketown. Visitors today see a young sapling growing beside the charred stump of the original, which was destroyed by fire in 2002.
The tree was established in 1862 by William Landsborough as a supply depot while searching for the missing Burke and Wills expedition. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 and destroyed by arson in 2002.
The tree carries the name of explorer William Landsborough, who used it as a reference point during his expedition through the region. The word 'Dig' was carved into its trunk as a message intended to guide travelers to buried supplies left behind.
The site is located near Burketown and accessed via the Albert River, with the best time to visit during the drier months. The location is open and free to visit, though it requires preparation due to its remote position.
The word 'Dig' was carved into the trunk to direct travelers to buried supplies left behind by Landsborough. This simple marking served as a survival code for explorers navigating the remote Australian landscape.
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