The St Kilda Corroboree Tree, ‘Ngaree’ in Albert Park
I have recently done some ‘talking and walking’ for the National Heart Foundation, who have a fantastic Active Walking program, encouraging all sorts of people to get out together and go walking, through organising local walking groups. Today they had a meeting of coordinators from all over Victoria in Melbourne’s Albert Park, and I thought I would take them out to introduce them to one of Melbourne’s very special secrets – the ancient Corroboree Tree which is tucked away in the North East corner of Albert Park. Thought to be one of the oldest living things in Melbourne, this ancient old red gum is between 300 and 500 years old, and has been a meeting place for the local Bunurong people since before European Settlers arrived. It is still considered a sacred site and used by Aboriginal Elders for important discussions and cultural business. The Bunurong tribe (sometimes spelt Boon Warrung) were one of the four language groups who made up the larger Kulin Nation.
There’s a lovely little walk tucked in behind the historic Junction Cricket Oval, which wanders through bushlands, native grasslands and a small wetland, to find the tree standing unbowed almost against one of Melbourne’s main arterial roads – which was diverted around the tree during its construction. What stories this Old Man Tree could tell.
The Corroboree Tree’s Story
Facinating bit of Melbourne’s history. There is such a lot to explore in this city even for a long term resident.
Richard D.
Hi Richard! So great to hear from you. Imagine you are getting lots of wonderful walking in down at Blairgowrie and Falls over the summer too? Ci broke his leg skiing at Bulla this year, still on the mend. How are the trees coming along on the plot? Warm wishes, J
Why is it that I’ve walked a million laps around Albert Park after work, but have never heard of this tree? Thanks for the info. I’ll check it out!
Hey Greg – you and me both – I even live in St Kilda and it took me 6 concerted trips to try and find it before I did. There is no signage at all until you are right there. Worth the effort though, and you get a great look at the historic footy stands at the Junction Oval along the way. J