
Old Gum Tree Reserve
Historic reserve, birthplace of South Australia, featuring a significant gum tree and a family-friendly playground.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Old Gum Tree Reserve
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic reserve, birthplace of South Australia, featuring a significant gum tree and a family-friendly playground.
"A hidden gem for families and history buffs, offering a peaceful escape with significant heritage."

🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic! Plenty of shady spots and BBQ facilities make it ideal for a family lunch.
🌳 Shady & Serene
Enjoy the tranquility and shade provided by the mature trees, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Gum Tree
Center of the reserve
Stand beneath the iconic tree where South Australia's proclamation was made. A truly significant landmark.

Children's Playground
Near picnic areas
A fantastic, fenced playground with a double flying fox, perfect for energetic kids.

Proclamation Day Ceremony
Old Gum Tree Reserve
Witness the annual commemoration of South Australia's founding. A cultural and historical event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into History
Family Fun & Relaxation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic! Plenty of shady spots and BBQ facilities make it ideal for a family lunch.
🌳 Shady & Serene
Enjoy the tranquility and shade provided by the mature trees, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Please read the body!!!
👶 Fenced Play Area
Great for parents, the playground is fenced, offering peace of mind for kids' safety.
📜 Learn the History
Visit the Glenelg Museum to deepen your understanding of this landmark's significance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic! Plenty of shady spots and BBQ facilities make it ideal for a family lunch.
🌳 Shady & Serene
Enjoy the tranquility and shade provided by the mature trees, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
👶 Fenced Play Area
Great for parents, the playground is fenced, offering peace of mind for kids' safety.
📜 Learn the History
Visit the Glenelg Museum to deepen your understanding of this landmark's significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Gum Tree Reserve as a peaceful, well-maintained park ideal for families, offering a safe playground and picnic facilities. While its historical significance as the birthplace of South Australia is noted, some find it unassuming within its residential setting. It's a hidden gem for relaxation and historical reflection.
"Great reserve for families with kids. Very well structured, with lots of areas for kids to play, to do picnic, a public toilet and barbecue area. It is also fenced, so you can rest assured that your kid won't leave the park area."
Denison Tarsitano
"It's such an unassuming place. This spot is where the state of South Australia was declared, i.e. the state birthplace. But it looks like just another park within a built-up residential area.
Highly recommended for a visit to the Glenelg Museum in the Town Hall building to learn more about this landmark."
Arry Charrismanagara
"Such an amazing place for kids. It's a hidden place though. Shady and quiet."
Nilesh Nandadeva (Singhamuni)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Gum Tree Reserve is located in Glenelg North, Adelaide. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include buses that service the Glenelg North area. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
While it's a significant historical site, it's nestled within a residential area, making it a bit of a hidden gem. Look for signage indicating the reserve.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Old Gum Tree Reserve is free for all visitors. It's a public park open for everyone to enjoy.
The reserve is generally open from dawn till dusk, like most public parks. However, specific event times for ceremonies like Proclamation Day may vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic gum tree, enjoy the children's playground with its flying fox, have a picnic, or simply relax in the peaceful, shady environment.
Yes, the reserve is well-equipped with public toilets and barbecue facilities, making it convenient for longer visits and family outings.
Absolutely! The historic tree, the natural setting, and the playground offer great opportunities for photography, especially during the golden hours.
The reserve offers a natural stage-like setting with its unique tree formations, making it a potential spot for creative filming projects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no cafes or restaurants directly within the reserve, it offers excellent picnic and barbecue facilities. You'll need to bring your own food.
The nearby suburb of Glenelg offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and eateries if you prefer to dine out after your visit to the reserve.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic gum tree itself is a must-capture subject. The playground, especially the flying fox, and the open green spaces also make for great shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance
While the original tree has undergone significant preservation efforts, its presence continues to symbolize the foundational moments of South Australia. The annual Proclamation Day ceremony held here is a key event, drawing attention to this pivotal historical landmark and reflecting on the shared history of the region.
Family-Friendly Features
Beyond the playground, the reserve offers ample space for picnics and relaxation. With numerous shady spots and barbecue facilities, it’s an ideal location for a leisurely family outing. The presence of public toilets further adds to the convenience for visitors.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit