The Old Gum Tree, Heritage tree in Glenelg North, Australia
The site features the reinforced remains of a red gum tree, now standing as a concrete-enclosed structure at McFarlane Street. Surrounding the tree, a public reserve offers picnic areas, play equipment, and green space for visitors to explore and rest.
Governor John Hindmarsh proclaimed South Australia as a British province near this tree in 1836, marking the official moment when European settlement formally began. The ceremony witnessed the arrival of the first organized colonists and established this location as the birthplace of the colony.
The tree holds deep meaning for understanding South Australia's colonial founding and how British settlement began in this region. Locals and visitors gather here on Proclamation Day to reflect on the moment when the colony was officially established.
The reserve is open and accessible throughout the day with nearby parking available. Walking paths and seating areas make it easy to view the tree and spend time in the surrounding space at your own pace.
The original tree died in 1907, but its shape was preserved through a concrete encasement added in 1963 to maintain its recognizable form. This unusual conservation method reflects how carefully the site has been protected as a symbol of the colony's founding.
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