Barwon River Gumtree

Description

The old gum tree stands strong and tall on the riverbank, a silent witness to the passage of time. Its exposed roots tell the story of rare floods, while the scars of past bushfires are etched into its weathered bark. Some limbs have fallen to the relentless march of time, yet the old tree endures.

What memories does it hold from its youth? How many cockatoos have called its hollows home? Witchetty grubs burrow into its tender roots, while cicadas bide their time, waiting seven long years to emerge and climb its sturdy trunk, and fill the summer air with their raucous song.

And still, the tree stands tall, watching over the Barwon River flood plain, west of Walgett, NSW.