Historic 167-Year-Old Geelong Ginkgo Named Victoria’s Tree of the Year

A 167-year-old Geelong Ginkgo tree, standing 20 metres tall and noted for its distinctive strong-smelling fruit and ancient lineage, has claimed the National Trust’s Victorian Tree of the Year title for 2026 after capturing 27 per cent of public votes.

A Living Fossil Takes the Crown

When the Geelong Ginkgo tree took root in 1859, the Melbourne Cup had not yet been run, and Ned Kelly was still a child. Legend maintains that a ship’s captain delivered the seed to the Victorian port city that same year. Today, it stands as the largest of its kind in Victoria and potentially all of Australia, according to details provided by abc.net.au. Justin Buckley, National Trust Victoria’s executive manager of gardens and landscapes, described the specimens as botanical oddities and living fossils.

The tree belongs to a plant order that thrived during the Middle Jurassic period between 174 and 161 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. While once thought extinct in the wild, small populations persisted in China, alongside thousand-year-old examples at temples in Japan and Korea. Furthermore, Ginkgo biloba trees notably survived the August 6, 1945, atomic bombing of Hiroshima, cementing their status globally as symbols of resilience.

Voting Results and Odor Realities

The National Trust’s Victorian arm has maintained its register of significant trees for 44 years to secure legal protections matching those afforded to historic architecture. Between September and October, the Geelong Ginkgo secured 27 per cent of the 4,435 votes cast by the public. It outperformed eight other finalists, including the Smooth Bark Apple Myrtle in Prahran and a myrtle beech at Maits Rest near Apollo Bay, as reported by abc.net.au.

Tree Name	Location	Public Vote Share
Geelong Ginkgo	Geelong Botanic Gardens	27%
Smooth Bark Apple Myrtle	Prahran	Finalist
Myrtle Beech	Maits Rest, Apollo Bay	Finalist

As a female tree, the Geelong Ginkgo produces fruit with a distinct, strong odor during its autumn cycle when its fan-shaped leaves turn a deep golden yellow. Justin Buckley noted that public opinion on the scent is divided, stating that while some find the odor objectionable, others do not mind it. City of Greater Geelong Councillor Elise Wilkinson pointed out that the landmark frequently serves as a popular backdrop for wedding photographs and regional celebrations.

Future Preservation Push

The National Trust uses the annual competition to campaign for automatic statutory protection for entries on the Significant Tree Register and local government registers. Justin Buckley emphasized that the organization wants to see special trees protected and new specimens planted so future generations can enjoy them. Maintenance of the 167-year-old tree is managed by staff including Daniel Cornwall, Tracie Abel, and Amelia Morris at the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

More on Year Old: Killara Man Charged With Raping 14-Year-Old Boy at Echo Point Park