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The Fairies Tree: A Whimsical Delight

Discover a whimsical world of fairies and creatures at this enchanting sculpture in Melbourne's historic Fitzroy Gardens.

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The Fairies Tree in Fitzroy Gardens is a beloved sculpture carved into the stump of an original Red Gum tree. Created by Ola Cohn from 1931-1934, it features a delightful array of fairies, gnomes, and Australian animals.

A brief summary to The Fairies Tree

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Take your time to spot all the hidden creatures carved into the tree.
  • Read the plaque at the base of the tree to learn about Ola Cohn's inspiration.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Federation Square, walk east along Flinders Street. Fitzroy Gardens will be on your right. Continue through the gardens to find the Fairies Tree. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take tram 48 or 75 east along Flinders Street. Disembark at the Wellington Parade stop, adjacent to Fitzroy Gardens. Enter the gardens and follow the paths to the Fairies Tree. A single fare is around $5.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Melbourne. A taxi from Melbourne Museum to Fitzroy Gardens will cost approximately $9 - $12 and take about 3 minutes. Taxi ranks are located at Flinders Street Station. Ride-share services like Uber are also available.

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Discover more about The Fairies Tree

Nestled within Melbourne's historic Fitzroy Gardens, the Fairies Tree is a captivating sculpture that sparks joy in visitors of all ages. Sculptor Ola Cohn transformed the stump of a 300-year-old Red Gum tree into a whimsical world of fairies, dwarfs, gnomes, and native Australian animals. Carved between 1931 and 1934, during Victoria's Centenary Year, the tree became a gift to the children of Melbourne, a place of magic and wonder. Cohn masterfully used the tree's natural curves and irregularities to create her characters, seamlessly blending them into the environment. The carvings include a marvelous jackass, koalas, flying foxes, and a host of other creatures, each with its own unique charm. Cohn's intention, inscribed on a plaque at the tree, was to create "a fairy sanctuary - a place that is sacred and safe as a home should be to all living creatures". Over the years, the Fairies Tree has faced challenges due to the natural decay of the wood. In 1977, the tree trunk was removed for chemical treatment and to remove rotted wood. During this process, a mummified brush tail possum, estimated to be over 40 years old, was discovered inside. To prolong its life, the tree was remounted on a concrete base. The Fairies Tree continues to enchant visitors, a testament to Ola Cohn's artistic vision and her desire to create a place of peace and happiness.

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