Geelong ginkgo named Victorian tree of the year 2026
The 160-year-old ginkgo in Geelong's botanic gardens won the public vote, highlighting calls for stronger legal protection of significant trees.
At a glance
- Geelong's 160-year-old ginkgo tree in the botanic gardens was voted Victoria's tree of the year for 2026, receiving 27% of 4,435 public votes.
- The tree, planted in 1859 from Chinese seeds, is the largest ginkgo in the state and a popular wedding backdrop.
- The National Trust used the award to urge the Victorian government to give automatic statutory protection to significant trees.
A ginkgo tree in Geelong's botanic gardens has been named Victoria's tree of the year for 2026 by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). The 160-year-old tree won a public vote that closed on Tuesday, securing 27% of 4,435 ballots cast.
A beloved landmark The ginkgo, planted in 1859 from seeds brought from China, stands 20 metres tall and is considered the largest of its species in the state, possibly the country. It has long been a favoured wedding spot, with couples marrying beneath its branches. The City of Greater Geelong campaigned heavily for the tree, describing it as the backdrop for countless local love stories.
Ancient species Ginkgos are among the most ancient trees on earth, dating back to the Jurassic period more than 160 million years ago. In Japan they are a symbol of hope, longevity and peace after six survived the 1945 atomic blast in Hiroshima. Botanic gardens supervisor Sheree Parker said the Geelong ginkgo is the park's most visited and talked about tree, and is just awakening from dormancy.
Competition and context The award, established in 2016, aims to celebrate Victoria's best-loved trees and draw attention to the loss of urban canopy. More than 40 trees were nominated this year; a panel of 12 experts narrowed the field to nine finalists. The smooth bark apple myrtle in Prahran placed second and Apollo Bay's myrtle beech third.
Protection push A recent Stonnington council report found more than 17.9 hectares of tree canopy lost on private land in the inner Melbourne suburb over the past decade. National Trust Victoria's executive manager of gardens and landscapes, Justin Buckley, said the ginkgo was a "very popular winner" but warned that significant trees lack adequate legal protection. He urged the state government to grant automatic statutory protection to trees on the Trust's register and adopt a "retain first" planning principle.
While the Victorian government introduced uniform canopy tree protection last year, Buckley said the rules remain limited and large significant trees can still be removed without a permit. "Big significant trees are virtually irreplaceable," he said, noting pressure from population growth and housing demand.
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- What tree won Victorian tree of the year 2026?
- A ginkgo biloba in Geelong's botanic gardens, planted in 1859, won the 2026 title with 27% of public votes.
- Why is the Geelong ginkgo significant?
- It is the largest ginkgo in Victoria, possibly Australia, at 20 metres tall, and has been a backdrop for countless weddings since 1859.
- What protection do significant trees have in Victoria?
- The Victorian government introduced uniform canopy tree protection, but the National Trust says it remains limited and many significant trees can still be removed without a permit.
