While probably not as famous or glamorous as Sydney and Melbourne, the city of Adelaide has plenty of interesting sights to attract travellers. Glenelg, a coastal suburb rich in history, has become a favourite destination for tourists, due to its good beaches and attractions. Hotels in Glenelg offers all the modern luxuries and comforts, found in larger cities, like the dazzling Oaks Plaza Pier for example, an apartment styled hotel, set on the beachfront.
The oldest European settlement on the mainland, established in 1836, Glenelg was proclaimed the first colony in South Australia. The proclamation, which announced that the government and state had been established, laws would be enforced and all people, including the Aboriginal people, would be protected; was read in an open woodland, under an arched gum tree, as gunfire rang out to salute the new government.
This tradition has continued on over the decades, as each year, on December 28, the Glenelg community gather near the brass plaque affixed beneath the old gum tree, as the Proclamation document is read out to celebrate the state’s birthday. And of course, in true Australian fashion, everyone is invited for a huge barbecue after. However, not everything has stayed the same, the old gum tree which grew in the dry outback, is now more concrete than a tree (the tree was officially declared as decayed in the 60’s) and the land surrounding it has been turned into a children’s playground and park.
While not many people would notice the old tree now as it’s positioned quite far from the beaches, and there’s even some controversy over whether it’s even the original gum tree where the proclamation took place; it’s certainly worth a look, if you want to read the plaque and understand the importance of the event and Adelaide’s history.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
