The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has announced that a towering Mountain Ash, fondly known as the “Mount Fatigue Giant” in South Gippsland has been named the 2024 Victorian Tree of the Year in its annual competition.
Standing at an impressive 46 metres with an 18.85-meter girth, this remarkable tree has captivated the public, securing more 20% of the votes. Nestled in South Gippsland’s Strezlecki Ranges on Gunaikurnai Country, the Mount Fatigue Giant stands as a symbol of resilience, having withstood fire and logging pressures over the years.
Classified as a Significant Tree by the National Trust since 2018, this Mountain Ash is a stunning example of Eucalyptus regnans, the world’s tallest flowering tree species.
It is one of several old-growth marvels in eastern Victoria, embodying the enduring strength and beauty of Victoria’s forests. It also has the second-largest girth of any known living tree in Victoria,
In this year’s close competition, a Moonah tree on the St Leonards foreshore took second place with 17% of the vote, followed by the Moreton Bay Fig at the Uniting Church Brighton with 14%.
The Victorian Tree of the Year competition highlights the essential role of trees in fostering biodiversity, supporting wellbeing, and helping to create livable cities—especially as urban areas become hotter and more densely populated.
