Old Gum Tree Reserve — Attraction in Adelaide

Old Gum Tree Reserve is a charming and historic park, significant as the birthplace of South Australia. Near this very spot, on December 28, 1836, British Governor John Hindmarsh announced the establishment of the South Australian colony, marking a foundational moment in the state’s history. Though unassuming at first glance, the reserve is nestled in a quiet residential area and offers a rich sense of history for visitors. A trip to the nearby Glenelg Museum in the Town Hall building is highly recommended for those interested in learning more about this landmark.

The park is thoughtfully designed for families, with ample picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and a well-maintained playground for children. It’s fully fenced, offering peace of mind for parents, and includes public toilets for convenience. Dog-friendly, it’s also a wonderful spot for pet owners. Whether you’re visiting for its historical importance or simply enjoying a day out with family and friends, Old Gum Tree Reserve is a lovely spot...

ON DECEMBER 28, 1836, A sweltering day with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a group of about 200 settlers and some of the local Kaurna population gathered near a uniquely arched gum tree to hear the proclamation officially establishing South Australia as a British province.

They chose the site that would mark the birthplace of South Australia due to the prominent landmark, a thick gum tree entirely arched over to form a bend back to the soil. The tree became known as the symbol of the fledgling colony, and was used as the official symbol of Glenelg, the colony’s oldest European settlement.

Every year since, on that date, prominent South Australians return to the site and observe Proclamation Day, and the current governor repeats the proclamation made by the inaugural governor, Captain John Hindmarsh, in 1836. The original gum tree has been long dead, but the decayed husk was encased in concrete in 1963 to preserve its shape for future South...

The Old Gum Tree Reserve; has Been a Childhood Memory of Mine.; & Now We Have Moved Back the The Area I Grew Up In,; its Such a Wonderful Joy To be Able to Bring My Grandchildren here to Experience the same HAPPINESS I Experienced as A Child.. The PlayGround is Always Clean ; Tidy;" & Relaxing Watching all the Children Interacting with Oneanother Happily & Joyfully, Listening to the Laughter & Little Sqills is Such A Happy Sound. The Equipment is Always Checked Regularly,; & The Toilets Are always Clean & Tidy. My GrandChilren LOVE the Flying FOX,; THE ONLY constructive Criticism I Would Like to Address:; is the Bottom of the Flying FOX is Far Too Low to the Ground & Children get the Legs Occasionally pulled under them; ater they Pushed for The Ride or Takeoff. Fantastic Work to the People who makes this...