About Stuart's Tree
Stuart's Tree is a heritage-listed landmark on the Stuart Highway near Daly Waters in the Roper Gulf region of the Northern Territory. It marks the site where explorer John McDouall Stuart carved an 'S' into the tree during his successful 1861-1862 south-north crossing of Australia. The tree is fenced and protected with interpretive signage, serving as a roadside historic stop commemorating European exploration and the naming of the Stuart Highway.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small fenced roadside site directly off the Stuart Highway surrounded by open savanna bushland. The historic tree is enclosed within a protective fence with interpretive signs explaining John McDouall Stuart's expedition. There is a gravel parking bay beside the highway. The site is an open-air, walk-up viewing area with no buildings, suitable for a brief stop to view the tree, read signage and take photographs.
Key highlights
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Heritage-listed tree marked by explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1862 during his transcontinental crossing
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Original 'S' carving site protected by fencing with interpretive signage
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Historic roadside landmark on the Stuart Highway named after Stuart
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Photographic stop illustrating early European exploration of central Australia
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Located near the historic township of Daly Waters