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Level of Significance

  • File
  • Local
  • Regional
  • State
  • National

Age (approx)

170yrs

Trees

1

Diameter

5m

Height - 27m

Details

Common name
Moreton Bay Fig
Botanical name
Ficus macrophylla
Other name
The Fig Tree
Type
Individual Tree
Condition
Good
Municipality
East Gippsland (VIC)
Location
Lake Wellington Meerlieu VIC 3862
Access
Restricted
Significances
  • Outstanding size (Scientific)
  • Location/Context (Social)
  • Landscape (Social)
  • Landmark (Social)
  • Park/Garden/Town (Historic)
Date of measurement
20 Apr 2020
Date of classification
14 Mar 2021

Statement of Significance

This tree is an outstanding specimen and the second largest measured in Victoria. This tree is a dominant feature of the landscape and a remnant of the courtyard garden surrounding "Roseneath", the homestead of pioneer settler Boyd Cunningham, which was established on the hill overlooking Lake Wellington at Roseneath Bay in the late 1840s. The tree was likely planted by the Dawson family in the 1850s after purchasing the property from Cunningham.

The homestead was burnt to the ground in 1921 and was rebuilt closer to the road, as steamers that had previously brought timber and produce across Lake Wellington were becoming outdated. The tree is amongst the oldest cultivated trees in Victoria.

It is located on a slope overlooking Lake Wellington, at Roseneath Bay.