Victorian Tree of the Year

Nominate a tree for the 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year Competition.

The Victorian Tree of the Year 2026 is here – and we need your help to choose the most magnificent significant trees in Victoria!

The National Trust’s Victorian Tree of the Year competition celebrates the significant trees of our state – the towering icons, quiet companions, and local legends that shape our landscapes and communities.

Whether it’s the tree you pass every day on your way to work, the one at the heart of your favourite park, or a majestic giant that’s been standing for centuries—this is your chance to shine a spotlight on a tree that matters.

We’re calling on tree enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone with a passion for our natural heritage to nominate their favourite significant tree for this year’s shortlist.

The Tree of the Year contest isn’t just about the oldest, the largest, or the most beautiful tree. Instead, it celebrates the vital role trees play in enriching our lives; supporting biodiversity and wildlife; cooling the places where we live and providing cleaner air; boosting mental health and wellbeing.  Our trees hold stories, memories, and deep cultural significance.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominations open on National Tree Day, Sunday 26 July and close Sunday 30 August 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Victorian Tree of the Year contest, a tree must be registered on the National Trusts’ of Australia Register of Significant Trees and be located in Victoria.

Who can nominate 

Individuals, community organisations, environmental action groups, local councils – anyone can nominate a tree.

How to Nominate

See instructions for completing the nomination form below.
You can also nominate a tree by sending an email to trust.trees@nattrust.com.au. Be sure to include the tree’s URL from the trusttrees.com.au website, and why you think this tree should be 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year.

How to Nominate a Tree

feature image

1. Search the Register to find your favourite tree

You can search by postcode, city or suburb in the location field to find your local significant trees. 

Click the red pin-points on the map to view more information about each tree. You can then view the tree's profile page by clicking "more details". 

Once you have found the tree you want to nominate, copy the URL, tree name and tree location from the tree's profile page and then return to this page.

Search the Register
feature image

2. Submit a nomination form

Tell us why you think your tree should win tree of the year.

You’ll need the URL of the tree profile page, the tree name and tree location (listed in the details section of the tree's profile page) to complete the nomination form.

Enter in your contact details (in case we need to get in touch if your tree is shortlisted) and submit the form.

Nominate a Tree

About the Competition

The Victorian Tree of the Year shines a light on the importance of trees in our everyday lives. From improving air quality and supporting wildlife, to reducing stress, lowering urban heat, and offering moments of beauty—trees are vital to our wellbeing and the health of our communities.

Each of the trees is listed on the National Trust Significant Tree Register, which recognises thousands of important trees for their cultural, scientific, and historic value, and all stand as powerful reminders of the natural heritage we’re lucky to share.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has been a proud advocate for tree protection for over 70 years. Since 1982, we’ve recorded more than 2,500 tree listings across Victoria—ensuring their stories are not forgotten, and their significance is formally recognised.

Key Dates

  • Nominations Open: National Tree Day, Sunday 26 July 2026 
  • Nominations Close: Sunday 30st August 2026 
  • Finalists Announced and Voting Opens: 9am Tuesday, 22 September 2026 
  • Voting Closes: Midnight, Thursday 22 October 2026 
  • The Victorian Tree of the Year winner will be announced: Tuesday 27 October 2026 

Shortlisting

The National Trust’s Significant Tree Expert Committee will consider nominations and create a shortlist of 9 trees which will then go to a public vote.  

If your favourite tree has missed out or isn’t yet included on the National Trust Register of Significant Trees, don’t worry – there’s always next year. 

Voting

The 2026 Shortlist and Voting for the Victorian Tree of the Year will be open at 9am on Tuesday 22 September to everyone through our website, and close at midnight on Thursday 22 October. 

The 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year winner, decided on by public vote, will be announced on Tuesday 28 October. 

Question & Enquires

For competition enquiries email trusttrees@nattrust.com.au, for media enquiries email media@nattrust.com.au.

Call to action section

Nominate a Tree

 Nominations open on National Tree Day, Sunday 26 July 2026 and close Sunday 30 August 2026.

Submit your nomination

More Significant Trees

Search the Register

Search the Register

Search to find your favourite tree, or nominate a tree to the Register.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is the state’s leading advocate for the protection of trees, celebrating the benefits they provide to our communities. Since 1982 the National Trust has classified over 20,000 trees in the National Trust Significant Tree Register.

Search
2025 Tree of the Year

2025 Tree of the Year

Algerian Oak

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.

More
Why Trees Matter

Why Trees Matter

Celebrating Victoria's Living Heritage

Trees shape our landscapes, contribute to biodiversity and wellbeing, and tell stories of Victoria’s history and the enduring connections between people and place.

They are living heritage assets, deserving the same recognition and care we afford to historic buildings, landscapes and cultural places.

Learn More