Collymongle Carved Trees

Display of carved trees from a major Gamilaroi ceremonial ground near Collarenebri.

The Collymongle Carved Trees are one of the strongest reasons to detour around Collarenebri. The trees are connected with a Gamilaroi ceremonial ground and carry carved designs of deep cultural meaning. Several are displayed near the Collymongle turnoff for visitors to view.

This is not a picnic-photo stop. Take time, read what interpretation is available, and remember that these trees were separated from their original ceremonial setting. Their presence beside the road is convenient for travellers, but the story behind them is much larger and more difficult.

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A story
The Banaway or Collymongle bora ground once held the largest known group of surviving carved trees in New South Wales. Many were cut down and removed in the 1940s, a history that makes the surviving and displayed trees both powerful and uneasy objects.