EUCALYPTUS CLADOCALYX

Avenue of Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gums) planted in honour of the Relief of Mafeking in the South African War. It is believed to be the first Avenue of Honour planted in Australia. 

Date of Recording: 1/4/2024
Number of trees: 27
Average Circumference: 3.4m
Average height: Mature

Havelock Baden-Powell Avenue of Honour is significant for social and historical reasons at the State level, as the first Avenue of Honour in Australia, and one of only six known for the South African War. 50% of the original trees still survive along with a number of replacement trees that continue to sustain the avenue’s original purpose. It is also significant in the status of the British royalty and military dignitaries acknowledged (including Lord Robert Baden-Powell), as well as Victorian local and state administrative dignitaries and miliary personnel. 

 

Note in addition that trees are well documented, some are fine specimens, and their species is also of interest, as they are substantial Sugar Gums. These trees have horticultural value as Sugar Gums were only planted from around 1894, and they may be useful for propagation material. 

The Avenue was planted 21st June 1900 (Maryborough & Dunolly Advertiser 25th June 1900) to commemorate the Relief of Mafeking during the South African War. This is the oldest of only six Avenues of honour in Australia for the South African War (formerly called the Boer War). It is the oldest known Avenue of Honour in Australia (Confirmed by the Avenues of Honour Australia Project). 

The trees form an Avenue of Honour, as distinct form a Memorial Avenue (although there are two trees especially planted in memory of two individual from the local region, serving as part of the Boer War Contingents and who paid the ultimate sacrifice: Major George Albert Eddy, Commander 1st Victorian Mounted Rifles, Australian and Colonial Military Forces (born in Castlemaine, remaining his hometown,) & Captain Robert Westrup Salmon, 1st Victorian Mounted Rifles (born in Talbot/hometown Amherst). However, most of the trees were planted honouring British dignitaries and senior officers who had command of the Anglo-Boer War conflict in South Africa, and the overall intent of the plantings is to acknowledge and honour the success of the British campaign during 1900, prior to the Federation of Australia as a nation.