Canoe Tree at Walkers Flat is close to the bank of the Murray River.
The Murray valley is rich in Aboriginal culture. The Aboriginal communities on the river maintain an intimate and detailed knowledge of the land, its wildlife, seasons and climate.
Canoes are an expression of that culture and connection with the land. Being made from the bark of a River Red Gum (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis), construction while appearing simple requires much patience and skill.
Bark is only removed during summer when the sap is flowing.
The required size and shape is cut through the bark to the hardwood core with a digging stick.
The bark is then prised from the trunk. The whole slab is held in place by sticks and hand-woven rope.
When finally separated the slab is lowered to the ground, fires are then lit on the moist inside to evaporate the sap and make the bark curl.
The ends are stitched with hand-woven rope and plugged with clay/mud. Stretchers may used to keep the open shape.
Such a craft would last 2 - 3 years
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