Scarred Tree

The Scarred tree is a reminder Wurundjeri Aboriginal people that lived in the area before European settlement of Melbourne. Scarred trees are trees which have had bark removed by indigenous Australians for the creation of canoes, shelters, shields and containers. Bark was removed by making deep cuts in a tree with a stone axe. The area of bark removed is typically regular in shape, often with parallel sides and slightly pointed or rounded ends, and the scar usually stops above ground level. The Australian native Eucalyptus species such as Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) were commonly used. The tree has been dead for many years, without warning in early 1980's it collapsed. Restoration work was undertaken to preserve the tree stump and has been re-erected at its original location. All Aboriginal cultural sites are protected by law.