This fenced-off stump of a river red gum is a rare reminder of pre-colonial Melbourne. The bark was removed by the local Wurundjeri people with a stone axe to fashion into something along the lines of a crib, canoe or shield.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Melbourne attractions

1. Australian Sports Museum

0.15 MILES

Hidden away in the bowels of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, this sports museum features exhibits focusing on Australia’s favourite sports and historic…

2. Melbourne Cricket Ground

0.2 MILES

With a capacity of 100,000 people, the "G" is one of the world’s great sporting venues, hosting cricket in summer and AFL (Australian Football League,…

3. Holden Centre

0.5 MILES

Built to host the swimming events for the 1956 Olympic Games, this dramatically shaped structure is now used by the Collingwood AFL club as a training…

4. Cooks' Cottage

0.56 MILES

Built in 1755, this humble family cottage lays claim to being the oldest building in Australia, but that's sidestepping the fact that it was shipped from…

5. Fitzroy Gardens

0.56 MILES

The city drops away suddenly just east of Spring St, giving way to Melbourne’s beautiful backyard, Fitzroy Gardens. The park's stately avenues are lined…

6. Conservatory

0.6 MILES

This 1930s Spanish-mission-style greenhouse showcases vibrant floral displays that change five times a year.

7. Charles Nodrum Gallery

0.66 MILES

Situated in a lovely old house, this quality commercial gallery specialises in the Australian abstract and alternative art movements from the 1950s to the…

8. Federation Bells

0.71 MILES

Created to celebrate the centenary of Australia’s federation in 2001, these 39 brass bells perch on the upper level of Birrarung Marr and ring out three…