Separation Tree |
The Separation Tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens was the location where the citizens of Victoria gathered on 15 November 1850 to celebrate the news of the separation of Victoria from New South Wales.
The news that the Act had been passed reached Melbourne on 11 November 1850 and was the cause of great rejoicing, fireworks, illuminations, street demonstrations, processions, games, thanksgivings and three public holidays (13-15 November), but only when the necessary details were completed was the new Crown Colony of Victoria formally proclaimed on 1 July 1851.
The Separation Tree is a Eucalyptus Camaldulensis or River Red Gum.
The Separation Tree was placed on the Significant Tree Register of the National Trust of Victoria in 1982.
The age of the Separation Tree is estimated at about 400 years, although based on expected diameter growth it could be as young as about 260 years.
Loss Of A Landmark
Melbourne Mourns Loss Of A Landmark: Separation Tree
Three times in 3 years, vandalism has seriously damaged the tree. The health of the Separation Tree, according to reports, has waxed and waned up to the present. Who Attacks Plants & Trees?
Remaining trunk a testament to Separation Tree
A final reduction of the Separation Tree's canopy this week saw the completion of works performed by Melbourne Gardens' arborists to make the tree safe following two fatal ringbarking attacks in 2010 and 2013.
Prof. Tim Entwisle, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Director and Chief Executive, said the remaining trunk and three main scaffold limbs are a testament to the once grand Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) tree.
'Despite the efforts of staff and expert consultants to save the tree, this week's work was necessary for the safety of visitors. It was a sad but inevitable task.'
Estimated to be over 400 years old, the tree grew to a height of 24 metres with a canopy spread of 23 x 27 metres, and a circumference of 3.83 metres at its girth. The Separation Tree was named for the place where the citizens of Melbourne gathered on 15 November 1850 to celebrate the news that Victoria was to become a separate colony from New South Wales.
Seed was collected from the Separation Tree in 2010 following the first ringbarking attack. Saplings propagated from this seed have now been planted in the Melbourne Gardens and distributed throughout the State in partnership with the Victoria Day Council, with one recently planted in the Parliament House gardens.
Prof. Entwisle said the timber has been salvaged and will be used in a way that honours the significance of the tree.
Published on 12th June 2015
❊ What's On ❊
➼ Separation Proclamation | Victoria Day 2025 - Friday 14 November 2025
❊ Venue | Location ❊
Royal Botanic Gardens | Melbourne [ view ]Birdwood Avenue South Yarra Victoria 3141 View Map
Telephone: (61 3) 9252 2300
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Separation Tree
➼ Dismay after historic tree hacked | TheAge
➼ 150th Anniversary of the Act that Created Victoria
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ Separation Proclamation | Victoria Day 2025
➼ Victoria Day 2025
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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