Community
10 July, 2026
Come celebrate a major milestone
RESIDENTS are being invited to go for a special walk along the Finlay Avenue of Elms to celebrate 150 years since it was planted.
Sunday marks exactly 150 years since a group of schoolchildren and residents of the time came together and planted elm trees along Manifold Street back in 1876.
Camperdown and District Historical Society secretary Maree Belyea said being able to mark the exact milestone was “pretty incredible”.
“All 280 trees were planted in a few hours by 150 schoolchildren and a few other citizens as well. It was a mammoth task,” she said.
“Now, 150 years later, the majority of the trees are still there.
“A few have been replaced and a few had to be removed, for instance when the clocktower was put in and roads were made wider.
“We’re having a celebration and will finish up the walk at the Heritage Centre where people can view the original plan of the planting showing where the trees are and who planted them.
“We have other items on display as well for those who can’t make it for the walk in the morning – they’re welcome to come to the Heritage Centre at a time that suits them up until 3pm.”
The walk will commence at 10.30am from the Soldiers Memorial near Camperdown Bakery, with residents invited to participate in the walk.
The event, which is hosted by both the Camperdown and District Historical Society and Corangamite Shire Council, will also see a new information sign unveiled as part of festivities.
Ms Belyea said the Sunday walk would be a momentous occasion.
“Not too many things in this world last for 150 years, particularly trees, but it’s an absolute feature of Camperdown,” she said.
“The trees and the clocktower which was erected 20 years later – they are Camperdown. That’s what people recognise.
“The residents all love the avenue and it’s just a spectacular feature of the town.
“Lots of people have stories of the avenue, and there have been various activities which have taken place over the years.
“There’s been fencing around the trees at times to protect them from grazing animals, and horses with buggies parked there before the advent of cars.”
The avenue has been the host for many community events as well, from Rotary Club of Camperdown’s monthly markets to the annual Light Up Camperdown festival.