The Arboretum
The Camperdown Botanic Gardens and Arboretum include a number of mature significant trees including a rare example of an avenue of nine Tilia x europaea (Linden), two rare Quercus leucotrichophora (Himalayan Oak) and an endangered Elaeodendron croceum (African Holly).
Other important trees in the Arboretum include the Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak), Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak) Acer opalus subsp. obtusatum (Italian Maple) as well as other uncommon species of deciduous trees and conifers that survive from the 1870s plantings. In 1986 a Pinus montezuma (Montezuma Pine) was planted by James Guilfoyle, great grandson of William Guilfoyle.
Arboretum redevelopment
The Trust has been working closely with the Facilities and Recreation Manager, Corangamite Council, Jarrod Woff, Governance Officer James Plozza and parks and gardens staff on the Arboretum redevelopment project in accordance with Council’s concept plan.
Cattle have been removed and old tree guards and internal fencing have been taken out. Parks and gardens staff have been clearing the area of obstacles and mowing the grass.
Projects funded by the grant of $83,000 from the State Government’s Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens program are nearing completion. They include new perimeter fencing around the entire 25-hectare Botanic Gardens and Arboretum site, arboricultural works, picnic furniture and bins, and some additional tree planting.
These projects mark the start of the re-opening and redevelopment of the Arboretum. The next stage of the project will include a carparking area off Park Road, pedestrian paths, picnic shelters, seating and further tree planting in the north-eastern section.
A community event hosted by the Trust was held to mark the re-opening in October 2022.
Join us in asking the Council to find a better location for the Caravan Park
Since 1966 when the Council allowed the development of the Caravan Park within the Arboretum. It has been a controversial facility.
To approach the Gardens enclosure, entry is through the caravan park. There are many historic trees from the Arboretum plantings situated within the caravan park that have been degraded by compaction of vehicles and the semi-permanent sites.
We respectfully suggest that there are other suitable sites in the area that would not also entail the degradation of such a unique site with historical significance, beauty and superb views.
We acknowledge all Eastern Marr people, who are the Traditional Owners of this land and pay our respects to their Elders both past and present
This website was made possible through a generous grant by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation, supported by the Foundation for RuralandRegional Renewal (FRRR)
The Trust wishes to acknowledge the support of the Australian Garden History Society and its members