East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Scarred Tree

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

1. Scarred Tree Marker

Inscription. The scar on this tree was created when Aboriginal people removed bark to make canoes, shields, food and water containers, string, baby carriers and other items.

Please respect this site.
It is important to the Wurundjeri people as traditional custodians of the land and is part of the heritage of all Australians.

All Aboriginal cultural sites are protected by law

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list.

Location. 37° 48.89′ S, 144° 58.835′ E. Marker is in East Melbourne, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is on Wellington Parade (Victoria Route 30) 0.1 kilometers Jolimont Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once

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a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sinclair's Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); A Great Australian Tree (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Fitzroy Gardens (about 120 meters away); Captain Cook's Pine (about 120 meters away); The Fairies Tree (about 180 meters away); Model Tudor Village (about 180 meters away); Fitzroy Gardens Welcome (about 240 meters away); John F. Kennedy Memorial (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Melbourne.

Also see . . . Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne.

This is one of six Aboriginal scarred or culturally modified trees identified within the City of Melbourne. The scar on this tree was made when Aboriginal people removed part of its bark, exposing the sap wood on the tree’s trunk.

Scarred or culturally modified trees, often red gums or box gums, are found all over Australia. Bark was removed to make canoes, containers, shields and temporary shelters. Toe holds were sometimes made so the tree could be climbed. Bark was removed by first cutting it with
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

2. The Scarred Tree with Marker at the base
a stone axe, and then levering it off.

These trees are an important living connection for Aboriginal people to ancestors and cultural practices, and are significant objects of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

(Submitted on May 20, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.