The Old Gum Tree Glenelg landmark stands in a public reserve in Glenelg North, at the site associated with the reading of South Australia's Proclamation in 1836. You can visit the reserve for free and see a place with an annual commemorative gathering and State Heritage status.
- Location: 43 Macfarlane Street, Glenelg North
- Access: free to visit; the reserve has shade, toilets and other facilities
- History: associated with the Proclamation read on 28 December 1836
Where is The Old Gum Tree in Glenelg?
Old Gum Tree Reserve is at 43 Macfarlane Street in Glenelg North, near Macfarlane Street and Brighton Road. The reserve is also part of Glenelg’s historic walk.
Old Gum Tree Reserve is about a 29-minute walk from Norfolk Motor Inn, a Glenelg motor inn near Old Gum Tree Reserve.
Why does the site matter in Glenelg’s history?
The City of Holdfast Bay says Governor John Hindmarsh read the Proclamation of the State of South Australia at this site on 28 December 1836, with about 200 settlers present, including Colonial Secretary Robert Gouger.
The South Australian Heritage Places Database identifies it as a confirmed State Heritage Place and describes it as the supposed site of the proclamation establishing government in South Australia.
The association has nuance: the State Heritage Council describes the connection between the tree and the proclamation as contested. It also notes the tree’s significance in Kaurna mythology and its place at the centre of the annual Proclamation Day ceremony since the 1850s.
The City says Kaurna Elders and community members, representatives and descendants of pioneers gather at the reserve on 28 December each year to hear the current Governor reread the Proclamation.
A South Australian Heritage Survey says the land was conveyed to the Corporation of Glenelg in 1857 to commemorate Hindmarsh’s arrival and reading of the Proclamation. The reserve also contains 18-pound carronades from HMS Buffalo, the ship that brought Hindmarsh to South Australia.
What can you see and do at the reserve?
The reserve is free to visit and has shade, a playground, barbecue facilities and toilets, according to South Australia’s tourism listing. It is fully fenced, and disabled access is available; contact the operator for access details.
For more context on the Old Gum Tree and South Australia’s beginnings, the tourism listing recommends the Bay Discovery Centre in Moseley Square, Glenelg. You can pair a visit to the reserve with time in Glenelg; how to get around Glenelg can help you consider local transport.
What should you check before visiting?
For access details, especially regarding disabled access, check the City of Holdfast Bay’s official site before you go.
FAQs
Is The Old Gum Tree free to visit?
Yes. South Australia’s tourism listing describes the reserve as free to visit.
What is the address of Old Gum Tree Reserve?
It is at 43 Macfarlane Street, Glenelg North.
When is the Proclamation reread at the site?
The City says the annual gathering takes place on 28 December, when the current Governor of South Australia rereads the Proclamation.