The natural range of T. collina is from near Mount Gulaga (36° S) in the south of New South Wales to the border with the state of Queensland at the McPherson Range (28° S). The usual habitat is rainforest away from streams on shallow soils at high altitude. However, it can occasionally be seen at low altitudes such as at Seal Rocks and Chatswood West. T. collina is remarkably similar to the related T. laurina (Water Gum), but the latter species is strictly riparian.