The earliest mention I have found of the song in Australian newspapers appeared in an advertisement for a concert in Sydney in 1851 The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 15 September 1851 p. 1. see http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12930347 part of which reads .... Gum-tree Canoe............. Mr. Nash …. Admission 2s. Tickets to be obtained at the Royal Hotel ; Masonic Hall, York - street ; Music Store, of Mr. Henry Marsh, 490½, George - street ; and at the door on the evening of performance. Doors open at a quarter-post 7 ; commence at 8 o'clock.
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