Kingston’s Algerian Oak Voted Victorian Tree of the Year 2025

Estimated to be over 130 years old, this remarkable tree stands 16 metres tall with a canopy spanning 31 metres, and now occupies the only piece of public land in Kingston.

Currently under threat of removal to make way for transmission lines, the tree has become the focus of strong community-led efforts to secure its retention for future generations.

The removal of the oak would not only destroy the tree itself, but also threaten the surrounding ecosystem—including native vegetation and species such as platypus, frogs, and other wildlife that inhabit the nearby Birches Creek Nature Reserve.

While winning the title of Victorian Tree of the Year does not confer any legal protection, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) says the competition highlights the vulnerabilities faced by significant trees across the state—many of which lack consistent protection under current planning laws.

“Our planning system does not adequately protect trees, even when their significance is well-documented,” said Justin Buckley, Executive Manager of Gardens and Landscapes at the National Trust.

“While we welcome the State Government’s recent planning amendment on canopy trees, many significant trees still face the risk of removal. At a time when our communities need more trees, canopy cover and green space, we must strengthen protections rather than allow further loss.”

Although heritage-listed buildings are protected by law, trees—even those formally recognised on public registers—remain exposed to removal and development pressures.

While an independent environmental assessment is underway, the National Trust hopes that public recognition through this award will influence decision-makers and help secure the tree’s future.

“Winning the title of National Trust Tree of the Year is a great honour — it recognises both this magnificent old tree and our community’s commitment to protecting it. Kingston already has one of Victoria’s finest Avenues of Honour, and now we can proudly say we also have Victoria’s finest tree of 2025.” said Jeremy Harper, Kingston resident and nominator of the tree. 

The runner-up in this year’s competition was the Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus), known as the “Tree of Knowledge”, located at Federation University in Mt Helen. Planted in 1896, the tree is a prominent and historic feature in the university’s main quadrangle.

Since the creation of the Significant Tree Register in 1982, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has championed tree protection across the state. With over 30,000 trees documented at more than 1,500 locations, it remains the most comprehensive record of significant trees in Victoria.