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 prolong its life.

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 village model.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's a preserved trunk only of a tree with lovely carvings on it. It's a little bit enchanting, a little bit whimsical and a little bit haunting. Protected by a ring of steel, you won't be able to touch them, but you can easily view the intricate details.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Right next to the model Tudor village, this tree has a small plaque describing why it's here and all that stuff. Basically some dude believes in fairies, and knows they need a place to stay, so he carved this tree for them. Sound crazy? Well at least he didn't believe that socialism can actually work!

A lovely piece of artistic history right next to the model Tudor village. The tree has a small plaque describe why it's here and some background. Essentially this is a place for fairies to stay! A nice point of interest in Fitzroy Gardens, and worth a quick photo when next to the model Tudor village.

We spent some time spotting all the different things depicted in the carvings. Very entertaining for a young child.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Beautiful tree with amazing detail and hand carvings. Lovely to look at.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A nice dedication from Ola Cohn for all of us who believe in fairies
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Look nice on pic,but when you arrived and you will find it just a mini model.and no entry of it, so it is mean doesn’t have good angle for shooting

Intricately detailed wood carving featuring various creatures of fiction and fantasy. The fairies being the probable work of fiction...

Molto piacevole. Giardini piccoli ma graziosi.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

小精靈樹！好可愛但不是一種夢幻氛圍 是小精靈經過種種導致消失的一些小故事 有經過可以來看一眼
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Cute tree love the pictures engraved in the trunk, shame it has a barrier around it. I guess that is to protect the tree from harm.

Great place, good for quick holiday
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

It's very pretty, but I wished that they would have had a sign explaining what the significance of the tree is.

Excellent for kids, scenic and peaceful. However, the area near visitor info centre tends to get crowded.

Mini cute
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

just a simple photo taking spot in the park
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Lovely piece of artistic history in Melbourne. If you've got kids they will certainly love it.

✅
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Tree carved with fairies etc. It is next to the model Tudor Village which is nice.

Very colourful and vibrant creature designs on tree, they're all unique.

The lawn area near a small carved tree near the Model Tudor Village.

Showing its age but a hidden treasure..absolutely stunning …

Accessible when gardens are open. Lots of Australiana figures.

My favourite lawn, ideal place for a summer wedding ceremony

This Park was so fabulous and very nice place for a family.

This little things make up all great things in the garden.

I can’t believe it’s still here. Brings back memories

Beautiful tree sculpture and the tiny village nearby.

"Fairy stump" , the artwork is OK therefore 2 starts

Such a magical spot.... worth doing it with kids!!

Lovely park to visit whilst husband having physio

Simply a fairy view
Visited on
Weekday

A nice shady area. Good for children.

The greenest lawn I’ve seen

Great lawn can recommend!!!

Loved it....

Great tree

Just wow!

History

Good