The Fairies Tree — Attraction in Melbourne

The Fairies Tree, sculpted by author Ola Cohn between 1931 and 1934, is loved by children. The carvings, on the stump of one of the original Red Gum trees in the Fitzroy Gardens, well over 300 years in age, feature a series of Australian animals, birds and bush spirits.

Her intentions are best described in the foreword to her book, "The Fairies Tree", inscribed on the tree's plaque: "I have carved in a tree in the Fitzroy Gardens for you, and the fairies, but mostly for the fairies and those who believe in them, for they will understand how necessary it is to have a fairy sanctuary - a place that is sacred and safe as a home should be to all living creatures."

The carvings were done years after the death of the tree and so the problem of the trunk's preservation presented a problem. In 1977, the trunk was extracted from the ground for chemical treatment and the removal of rotted wood, and during the process, a mummified brush tail possum over 40 years old was found perfectly preserved within the trunk. The tree was remounted on a concrete base to...

The Fairies Tree is an intricately carved tree stump in Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens. It shows a number of fairies, animals and birds and tells stories - some scarier than others as there’s an elf being carried off by an eagle🤔. Apparently the carvings were done after the tree had died and the stump was left standing. Small children will get the most out of this and the adjacent Tudor...

I kid you not—this is probably the cutest place I’ve visited in a while and one of my favorites in Australia.

The tree, adorned with fairies and other mystical creatures, is absolutely lovely—even for a 35-year-old like me. As a huge Peter Pan fan, it reminded me of his adventures in Kensington Gardens, which made me love it even more.

The beautifully decorated, colorful tree is...