Mount Fatigue Giant crowned 2024 Victorian Tree of the Year

Standing tall in Gunyah (South Gippsland), this majestic tree captured the community’s admiration securing more than 20% of the votes. At 46 metres tall, with a canopy spread of 20 metres and an impressive trunk girth of 18.85 metres, the Mount Fatigue Giant is an extraordinary example of the world’s tallest flowering tree species.  

First documented in the 1980s and officially classified as a Significant Tree by the National Trust in 2018, this ancient tree is truly awe inspiring. Located in the Strezlecki Ranges on the lands of the Gunaikurnai People, the Mount Fatigue Giant is one of a unique collection of large old-growth trees in eastern Victoria that are listed on the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees. This iconic tree has endured fire events and logging threats, both challenges that have historically impacted the South Gippsland region forests. In spite of these, the Mt Fatigue Giant continues to serve as a remarkable testament to the resilience and grandeur of Victoria’s natural heritage. 

The Victorian Tree of the Year competition celebrates the vital role trees play in enriching lives. We believe that trees are fundamental to health and wellbeing, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the creation of liveable cities. As cities grow hotter and denser, the importance of trees will only become more vital.  

“Our Significant Trees are more than just remarkable sights; they are essential to both ecosystems and community wellbeing,” Justin Buckley, Executive Manager – Gardens & Landscapes at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) added. “Trees like the Mountain Ash remind us of our responsibility to maintain and protect this legacy. Trees are a gift to the future that, with our help, will keep giving for hundreds of years.” 

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has led the way in protecting thousands of Victoria’s unique trees for over 42 years through the National Trust Register of Significant Trees. These trees represent the largest and longest-living life forms encountered, and their preservation serves as acknowledgement to future generations, offering numerous benefits, from climate mitigation to stress reduction. 

Since its inception in 1981, the National Trust’s Significant Tree Register has recorded over 30,000 trees across 1,500 locations in Victoria. Through this register, NTAV advocates for the preservation of Victoria’s most valued and enduring natural assets, underscoring its commitment to the legacy of tree conservation. 

“The Mountain Ash is not only awe-inspiring in its scale but is also an ecological powerhouse,” said Justin Buckley, “These trees are vital to the health of our forests, supporting life in the canopy above and on the forest floor below. This recognition by the public highlights the importance of protecting these iconic trees as a legacy for future generations.” 

The runner-up in this year’s competition was the Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata) in St Leonards, capturing 17% of the public vote, followed closely by the Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) in Brighton, which received 14%. 

More information about the National Trust’s Tree of the Year Competition, can be found on the website here: www.nationaltrust.org.au/treeoftheyear