Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour
"Without a doubt one of the finest avenues of mature Dutch elms in the world... unmatched in the uniformity of its age, trunk diameter and canopy"
By National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
This site is part of the traditional land of the Wadawurrung people.
Elm with hollow, Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
In Australia, those who served in war have often been commemorated by rows of trees, known as Avenues of Honour . The practice was popularised during and after World War I, particularly in the state of Victoria, where 472 Avenues were planted.
These living memorials are a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on families and communities, and a symbol of how grief can manifest within a community to ensure that those who lost their lives in the line of service are remembered.
Avenue Of Honour Bacchus Marsh Vic (1950) by State Library of Victoria National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Following the call of the bugle, 281 Elm trees were simultaneously planted as a living memorial to those who enlisted in World War I.
Lieutenant J. West tree plaque, Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Copper-embossed name plaques adorned each tree, displaying a soldier's name, rank and battalion details. These plaques were arranged in alphabetical order, rather than rank, emphasising each individual’s contribution to the war effort as equally important.
This display of egalitarianism also kept family groups together, which was especially important in rural communities where many families experienced multiple losses.
Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
The Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour is now a cultural landmark, lining the curved road and forming a remarkable entrance to the township.
Elm tree on Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
“The Avenue at Bacchus Marsh is without a doubt one of the finest avenues of mature Dutch elms in the world. It is unmatched in the uniformity of its age, trunk diameter and canopy development...
Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, Bacchus Marsh Road (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
... It is particularly impressive for the way in which major branches arch and join to form a natural cathedral-like ceiling, which seems so appropriate for a memorial to the fallen." Dr. Greg Moore (University of Melbourne)
Elm leaves at the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Elm disease particularly Dutch Elm Disease (DED) has decimated populations in the Northern Hemisphere, making mature populations of Dutch Elms found in places like Bacchus Marsh globally rare, and this Avenue one of the finest in the world.
Centenary commemoration plaque at the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour (2022) by National Trust of Australia (Victoria) National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Explore the Bachus Marsh Avenue of Honour
Image Credits: Rob Deutscher
The National Trust Register of Significant Trees recognises individual trees, avenues and important stands as valuable community assets that must be preserved. Since 1982, more than 1,200 significant trees have been registered across Victoria. Read more at https://trusttrees.org.au/
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