Burke and Wills history

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 02, 2003 at 22:58
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We are planning a trip to Innamincka and "Corner Country" next September and (thanks to Bob on this forum) I am reading, "The Dig Tree" by Sarah Murgatroyd. I was lucky enough that Jen read his post to me and gave the book to me on our 13th Wedding anniversary yesterday. (Thanks my love!).

It is a terrific read so far and I am sure that reading the history will enrich my experience of the area. I was wondering what people have enjoyed seeing in that area, how long they stayed, and any other recommendations that you might have for the trip.

The other thing that would be interest me is some a Burke and Wills movie or video so that our kids can get a taste of the history. The story seems such powerful one and the scenery so rich that surely some a movie or documentary has been made of the exploration of Australia by these "hapless heroes". I would love the kids to see something of it before our trip and seeing "The Dig Tree" may hold greater significance for them.

Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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Reply By: John Russell - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2003 at 23:53

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2003 at 23:53
Andrew, we did that trip a few years ago and camped on the Cooper about 10k's from Innaminka.
You will need plenty of fresh drinking water as the Cooper Creek water is very brown and upset our young bloke, however we were ok.

I not sure if it is true but I heard on the grapevine that the Dig Tree was burnt earlier this year by vandals, so maybe someone can confirm this.

Anyway enjoy your trip, I'm envious

Regards
John
AnswerID: 39239

Follow Up By: Member - Jack - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 06:15

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 06:15
The "Dig Tree" what was destroyed was in Queensland (not sure exactly where now). It seems there are/were a couple of "Dig Trees".

We also stayed on the Cooper near Inniminka on our trip there .. good advice on the water.

You are lucky - I knew a bit about the history of the Burke and Wills venture, but did not have the book before we left. After the trip I was able to read it, and now I have to go back.

And ... if you want another tip idea, read "The Cattle King, by Ion L Idress. This is the remarkable story of the late Sir Sidney Kidman ... and then do the trip. I have this trip "on the books" for next year.

Happy travelling
JackNo trees were harmed in the making or sending of this message.
However a great number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen (Broken Hill) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 13:00

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 13:00
The "dig" tree(s) were in tip-top condition when I visited in mid October this year. So unless it has ocurred in the last 6 weeks - I'd say it's a furphy.Moving back to WA - Jan 04
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Follow Up By: Member - Jack - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 13:15

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 13:15
Found it !!!!!

Post 2726, dated 28 December 2002 refers to a Dig Tree that was destroyed by vandals .. not a Burke and Wills "Dig Tree", but one from one of the rescue parties.

In part, it states ...

"The destruction of one of Australia's most historic bush landmarks has
generated a growing fury.

Queensland Police Minister Tony McGrady reacted angrily today to the
destruction of the historic "Landsborough Tree" near Burketown, in the
state's northwest.

Vandals set alight the tree earlier this month, wiping out 140 years of
history.

Police are investigating the razing of the eucalypt tree inscribed by
explorer William Landsborough during his unsuccessful search for Burke and Wills in 1862.

Landsborough carved the word "Dig" on the tree as a message to the lost explorers and buried supplies near it. "

JackNo trees were harmed in the making or sending of this message.
However a great number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
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Reply By: Chris (W.A.) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 06:56

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 06:56
Whether you like em or not, I'm sure the Leyland Brothers did a bit on this even possibly the older one.
You know, the one that recommends the ST Coopers.
They'd have to have a website somewhere.
Regards
ChrisNice southerly coastal fishing trip someday.
Chris
AnswerID: 39250

Follow Up By: Members - Andrew & Jen - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 07:11

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 07:11
That is a beaut and interesting idea, Mike. Lets take a look at this natural phenomena. Travel all over the countryside.

Yes I think I know then and will try and have a look for a website - might be hard to get a copy though.

Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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Reply By: Member - Ross - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 07:58

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 07:58
Andrew and Jen

Cullymurra waterhole is a great spot to camp (bloody noisy cockatoos by the squillion will object though) and the previous suggestions about water is spot on. Local water good for a shower but I wouldn't advise on drinking it.

All of the various waterholes in the area are worth a visit as well as the dig tree. If you are heading down to Camerons Corner, the Bore Track is a must see and an overnight at Bollards Lagoon makes a pleasant change as the camping ground isn't very exciting.

In Sept I would expect 999988887777666655554444333322221111 flies to the square metre.

All round a great spot and well worth a visit ...... enjoy your trip.

CheersRosco
AnswerID: 39252

Follow Up By: Member - Ross - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 08:03

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 08:03
P.S.

Half kidding about the flies, they may not be too bad if it's still quite cool .... but take some head screens anyway. Preferably the ones that go over your hat so they're away from your face.Rosco
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Follow Up By: Member - Ross - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 08:07

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 08:07
P.P.S.

Be sure to visit the Pub and have one of their hamburgers .... bloody great.Rosco
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Reply By: landie - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 08:16

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 08:16
This is a fascinating part of Australia and you'll enjoy it. Take a boat ride along the Copper if you can and don't forget to visit Coongie Lakes for a day or two, but definetly stay overnight.

Consider staying at the Dig Tree also as it is possible to camp there. Firewood supplied and it is beside the Cooper on Nappa Merie station. The caretaker, "Bomber" Johnston is a mine of information and he is only to willing to share a yarn.

Whilst Burke and Wills were the higher profile explorers in this region, there were many others in the region that achieved significant feats, some of these occured in the search for Burke and Wills.

The tree that was burnt is in the gulf savanah nearer to Burketown, however from memory I don't think it related to the Burke and Wills expedition.

Cheers
Landie
AnswerID: 39256

Reply By: jonsal - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 11:22

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 11:22
Hi Andrew and Jen, Have been to corner country many times and loved it every time. I think the bushtucker man did a bit of a doco on B & W along with other explorers of note. From ABC shops, and Australian Geographic put out a good general book called Corner Country which covers the area with history, geography, flora and fauna and points of interest. Take time to enjoy this great part of our country.
AnswerID: 39272

Reply By: Member -BJ (Sydney) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:22

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:22
Hi guys i did this trip 2 years ago with some friends & as previous post definatly do the Bore Track, I thought the dunes were better than the Simpson. We spent a cople off days at Cullymulla & when we were there the were doing up the loo's. Also this year we did the Gulf track & it sounds like the dig tree they destroyed is the marker for their last camp site as its West of Burktown. Why are there so many Morons out there?Regards Bob
Where to next
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Reply By: Member - DOZER- Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:07

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:07
Gday
Spent a week camped on the town common last there, if you camp(or explore) anywhere else a Desert pass is needed.
We started at Menindee lakes where the duo had a base depot,there is a wills tree there
followed their expadition through Tibbaburra (dont miss the national parks office exibition there!) the corner, (Sturts) fort grey (good drinbking water there) old stressy and on to Innamincka
Looked at both Grave sites, tree, and make sure you do the loop track back to Innamincka from the tree.
Coongie Lakes is a must aswell.
We have washouts, they have blowouts on the corner main road, so be sensible with regard to speed...
Safe journey
Andrew wheredayathinkwer mike?
AnswerID: 39325

Follow Up By: Members - Andrew & Jen - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:33

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:33
Dozer - thanks for the info - How long do you think we need up there to do a reasonable job of it. Appreciate others advice too.
Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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Follow Up By: Member - DOZER- Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:48

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:48
One things for sure, there is soooo much to see it wont be long enough whatever you decide.
We stayed for a week,every second day was for fishing/canoeing, took a week to get there from Wollongong, via Hay, Minindee,Bourke-Kinchega, Tibbaburra, (changed water pump in caravan park) corner store (ask there about a track to innamincka over private property-cant remember name but was 10k west of store, turn right roughly)
Back thesame way, but Moomba,White cliffs, Cootamundra, home.
I would try to get 2 weeks camping in there, lovely place to camp at Coongie lakes (turn left at the bottom of large desent on sand to a shaded spot by the water) also large shearers quarters/shed to check out on the way. Fort grey is a good place to explore/camp over aswell.
Andrewwheredayathinkwer mike?
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Reply By: Member - Rick (S.A.) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:46

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 20:46
Andrew & Jen

You are on a winner with Murgatroyd's book. I found it to be a far less fictionalised version; well researched.

re Idreiss' book on Kidman- IMHO it's romantic twaddle. I know an 87 y.o who contract drove for Kidman & he told me last Sunday that it was rubbish.
Try " Kidman: the Forgotten King" by Jill Bowen, pub by Cornstalk Publishing.

For flora, try " Field Guide to the Common Plants of the Cooper Basin" by Wiltshire & Scmidt, pub by santos. It is an excellent pictorial identification resource.

For a general guide, look at Stuart Nicol's good book pub by the RAA of SA, called "Outback South Australia and central Australia.

Re Landsbourough's tree at camp 119 (Burke & Wills most northern camp) - yeah, it's gone. Freind of mine was there recently and showed me a photo of the absence of the tree.

Many parties were dispatched to look for the 'lost' men. Landsborough was sent from southern Qld to try to find B & W; Big John McKinlay left from Adelaide, while Howitt departed Melbourne to search for them.

Fascinatin' country, that Corner Country. It is hard to identify exactly what the charisma is, but it's got something to do with the gibber plains abutted directly by bright red sandhills, with the threads of a great river disectting it all. A land of real physical contrasts. Then superimpose the indigenous history and populations, and then chuck in a few incompetent white fellas, an Inland Mission now beautifully restored, and the region comes a real deal. Mind you, the curent lease holders seem too have stabilised environmental damage and can co- exist with minimal damage to the environment. Lots of proof of this exists; and now that the calicii virus has significantly lowered the rabbit population, the native flora has a chance again.

You may deduce that I reckon it is a special place -I do- but I've only been there once.

CheersRick ( S.A.) - ' It is better to travel hopefully than arrive'
AnswerID: 39334

Follow Up By: Members - Andrew & Jen - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 21:13

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 21:13
Thanks Rick - yep - I reckon that you think it is a special place and your enthusiasm is contagious. You could be infecting lots of blokes talking like that! How long do you reckon we would need to see the area. I was thinking about ten days and then driving down the Strezlecki and doing the Flinders Ranges too but from what you and Dozer say, probably will need the whole three weeks. Nothing worse that rushing and trying to do too much and moving every day.
Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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Follow Up By: Members - Andrew & Jen - Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 08:14

Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 08:14
I see that you can get "Kidman: The Forgotten King" from the Exploroz shop now!!
Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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Follow Up By: Member - Rick (S.A.) - Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 09:40

Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 09:40
Andrew,
I agree that there's no point rushing aroound trying to do everything.

I reckon a week would be OK at Innamincka; some time getting there should be allowed. I would attempt to visit Milparinka , Depot Glen & Mt Poole, as well as the Mt Wood Nat Pk at Tibooburra, on the way there.

I encourage you to do the Strezzy. I would also attempt a few days in the Flinders Ranges; most especially the Gammon Ranges. Not so much the village of Arkaroola (we only go there for fuel, icecreams & ice), but all the mining and pastoral spots nearby. Try the circular drive to Grindells Hut. Boil the billy in Italowie Gorge. Have a coldie at the Leigh Creek Hotel at Copley. Drive through Brachina Gorge and head south of Hawker to my favourite hotel, the Heartbreak Hotel at Cradock. Tell Dave that Rick sent you. Then nick over to Yunta, and scoot home.

What a magnificent 3 weeks that all would be.

CheersRick ( S.A.) - ' It is better to travel hopefully than arrive'
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Follow Up By: Members - Andrew & Jen - Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 11:02

Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 11:02
I think I am sold on your itinerary!!

Thanks again for the info. Can't wait until September 2004.

Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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Reply By: Jeff (Beddo) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 21:57

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 21:57
At Tibooburra ask National Parks about a track come creek bed trail that ventures to the Gumvale gold battery, gold diggings, then onto Mt Poole, Depot Glen (Charles Sturt exploration expedition), then to Miparinka for a beer then back to Tibooburra (one day trip). At Dead Horse Gully (Tibooburra) enquire about the sunset track that runs behind the camping area and comes out at Whitta Brinnia (not sure if still open). Leave Tibooburra and vist Mt Wood, Olive Downs then via Middle track head to Cameron Corner. Stay at Fort Grey or Cameron Corner or Bollards Lagoon (not sure which has the best facilties now). Head to Innaminka and saty at Cullyamurra waterhole and have a look at engravings at the eastern end where the creek flows into the waterhole (can't miss them). Hire a canoe from the Pub at Innaminka ! Coongie Lakes is worth a trip and on the way you will pass an old out station on the edge of the creek - there is heaps of bird life thru this area. Fishing not bad either.Cheers, Beddo
Surf KZN185
<- Yengo NP, Central Coast NSW
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Follow Up By: Members - Andrew & Jen - Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 16:03

Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 16:03
Isn't this forum fantastic - all the good oil and where to go and what to see makes all the difference when you are going somewhere. Thanks a squillion.
Andrew2001 Landcruiser 100S Turbo Diesel
"We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing"
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