The Burke and Wills story has been formally etched into Australia’s history books, with the inscription of the Burke, Wills, King and Yandruwandha National Heritage Place on the national heritage list at the weekend.
The listing includes five important sites along the banks of Cooper Creek, which represent key events from the Burke and Wills expedition that, according to federal LNP member Bruce Scott, became a defining moment in Australia’s history.
“One of these sites is The Dig Tree and Fort Wills site which lies in the far west of the Maranoa electorate,” he said.
“It was at this site that the members of the expedition buried life-saving supplies and left markings for Burke and Wills to later find.
“This story has been remembered through popular culture, as the arrival of Burke and Wills from the gulf came just hours after their comrades lost hope and left.
“The markings at The Dig Tree were perhaps the most tragic part of the historic expedition.
“Unfortunately, Burke and Wills could not survive the harsh conditions of the Australian outback.
“The sole survivor of the expedition to the Gulf was John King – the story of his survival tells of the support and care provided by the Yandruwandha people who provided food, care and companionship to King while he waited to be found.
“The Burke and Wills expedition is one of the best-known stories of early European exploration of inland Australia.
“The listing of these five important sites, including The Dig Tree and Fort Wills site in my electorate, will ensure this historic expedition remains a significant part of Australia’s national and cultural heritage.”
The Burke, Wills, King and Yandruwandha National Heritage Place is the 104th place to be included on the National Heritage List.
