Tree of Knowledge, Camooweal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tree of Knowledge, Camooweal |
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Tree of Knowledge, 2019
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| Location | Barkly Highway, Camooweal, City of Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia |
| Official name: Tree of Knowledge | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 8 September 2005 |
| Reference no. | 600738 |
| Significant period | 1890s-ongoing (historical, social) |
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The Tree of Knowledge in Camooweal, Queensland, Australia, is a very old tree. It is a special Coolibah tree that has been officially listed as a heritage site. You can find it on the Barkly Highway, near the town of Camooweal.
This tree is famous because it was a popular meeting spot. For many years, drovers and teamsters would camp nearby. They would gather under its cool shade to chat and share stories.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Early Explorers and Settlers
The story of Camooweal and its famous tree began a long time ago. In 1861-1862, an explorer named William Landsborough came to this area. He was searching for the lost Burke and Wills expedition. After his explorations, people started to settle here.
The first person to set up a large farm, called a pastoral lease, was John Sutherland in 1865. His farm was called Rocklands. But it was tough living in this remote area. He faced problems like wild dingoes attacking his animals. It was also hard to find workers and transport goods. Because of these challenges, he had to leave his farm.
Growing a Town
It took about ten more years for settlers to return to the area. By the mid-1870s, more farmers, known as squatters, moved in. In 1883, these local squatters asked the Queensland Government for help. They wanted a town to be built to support their farms.
They suggested a spot near the Georgina River. This location was perfect because it was on a main route for moving animals. It was also on a track leading to the Northern Territory. So, in December 1883, the government set aside land for a town. The first parts of Camooweal were officially mapped out in 1888.
Camooweal Becomes Important
By 1892, Camooweal had grown into a key outback town. It was on major routes connecting places like Cloncurry and Burketown. It was also very close to the border with South Australia. This meant it had a special customs post to check goods.
The town also had a post office, telegraph services, a courthouse, and a police station. There were two hotels, a school, and various shops. These businesses provided important services for people living and traveling in the area.
The Camping Reserve
A large area next to the town was set aside for animals to graze. This was called a pasturage reserve. It was probably created in the 1890s. Over the years, its size changed. By 1973, it was officially named the Camping, Pasturage & Stock Dipping Reserve. Today, it covers about 5,480 hectares.
The Barkly Highway runs through this reserve. Drovers, who moved large groups of animals, used this area to rest. They would bring their animals to and from the Northern Territory. They also used the Georgina stock route and traveled up to Burketown.
The Tree's Special Role
Camping on the reserve near the Georgina River was a big deal for drovers and teamsters. It gave them a chance to rest and wash their clothes. They could also water and feed their animals. Plus, they could use the services in Camooweal, like shops, medical help, and postal services.
Sometimes, families traveling with teamsters would even send their children to the local school for a short time. Many drovers have shared stories about a special Coolibah tree on this reserve. It was far enough from the river to be safe from flash floods. It also offered shelter from strong winds.
This particular tree became a popular meeting place. Drovers and teamsters would sit in its shade, drink tea, and share news and stories. This is how it earned its name, the "Tree of Knowledge." It was easy to reach from town and offered great shade to those traveling the trade route.
What the Tree Looks Like
The Tree of Knowledge is a mature Coolibah tree. Its scientific name is Eucalyptus microtheca. It stands on the eastern side of the Georgina River. You can easily walk to it from the town of Camooweal.
The tree is about 100 metres (330 ft) north of the new road bridge. It is part of the Camooweal Camping, Pasturage & Stock Dipping Reserve. This area is on the eastern flood plain of the Georgina River, about 200 metres (660 ft) west of Camooweal.
The tree is about 8 metres (26 ft) tall. Its trunk measures about 150 centimetres (59 in) around, one metre above the ground. You can see scars around the base of the trunk. These scars go up to about 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) high.
Why the Tree is Important
The Tree of Knowledge was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on September 8, 2005. This means it is recognized as a very important historical site.
A Piece of Queensland's Past
This tree shows us a part of Queensland's history. Before trucks became common, this reserve was a vital stop for drovers and teamsters. It was a place to camp, rest, get mail, and find supplies. They could also get medical help in Camooweal before continuing their long journeys.
Stories passed down through generations tell us that the Tree of Knowledge was a central meeting spot. Campers would gather there to share news and talk about their travels.
Special Meaning for People
The tree has a very special connection with drovers and their families. It also connects with the families of others who worked in the pastoral industry. The Tree of Knowledge is a living reminder of their past. It helps them remember the important role they played in developing the Barkly Tableland and the areas around it.
