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Statement of Significance

The rich, fertile soil, temperate climate and the interest of many of its citizens in things botanical, has resulted in Toowoomba Region’s ability to grow a wide range of indigenous and non-indigenous plants. In 1860, the area was the first to hold an Agricultural Show in Queensland – 15 years before Brisbane. Walter Hill, the then Government Botanist and first curator of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, travelled to Toowoomba to advise with the design and planning of Queen's Park and street plantings in Toowoomba. He subsequently imported many tree species from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world to be planted there. Hill Street in Toowoomba is named in his honour. The town attracts many visitors in September for its famous Carnival of Flowers, where people come from near and far to enjoy Toowoomba’s many parks and gardens. This avenue was planted in May 1937 to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The Toowoomba Chronicle of 13 May 1937 reported ‘CORONATION AVENUE - TREES PLANTED. The tree planting ceremony in connection with Coronation Day took place at 2.30 p.m. in Ruthven Street south, between South Street and Alderley Street. There was a large attendance. This street, which was planted with jacaranda trees, will in future be known as Coronation Avenue…The trees were already in the ground. All that those that planted the trees had to do was to put more soil around them and press them in…The Mayor (Ald. J. D. Annand)…said that in the glorious sunshine they all felt proud to meet under such auspicious circumstances…They were assembled in this portion of the town to plant what would be known as Coronation Avenue. There could be no more fitting way to leave a permanent memorial of the day.’
This avenue contributes significantly to the landscape of this historic town. These trees commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. They are a beautiful spectacle, particularly during spring flowering season where the town's annual Carnival is celebrated, therefore having contemporary association with the community.

The trees are located on Ruthven Street South, between South Street and Alderley Street, on both sides of the road.