Maldon Tree Finalist in Victorian Tree of the Year Competition
A bunya pine tree in Maldon has been named a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year competition. The tree's owner, Kathy Whiteman, says it is a "magnificent" landmark, but also a complicated one due to its massive cones that drop every three years.
A magnificent bunya pine tree in the historic town of Maldon has been named a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year competition. The tree, which stands in the front yard of local resident Kathy Whiteman, is one of nine finalists vying for the top spot.
"I say to people, 'When you see the big tree, that's my house,'" Ms Whiteman said. The bunya pine, which can live for up to 500 years, was once a popular choice for early Victorian gardens.
However, Ms Whiteman's relationship with the tree is complicated. Every three years, it produces massive cones that drop from its branches, creating a hazard for passersby. "The ones I've had weigh between 5 kilograms and 7 kilograms. You can hear them dropping down through the branches and then, bang, as it hits the ground," she said. "I have to wire the front gate shut when it's fruiting season and not go underneath it. It could kill you to have one drop on your head."
Despite the challenges, Ms Whiteman appreciates the tree's beauty. "It's a messy plant, but it's beautiful," she said.
The Indian bean tree at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens is also a finalist, and one of two trees from the same shire in the running. The winner will be decided by a public vote, which opens from 9am today for one month.
"Trees really need our protection," Justin Buckley, executive manager of gardens and landscapes at the National Trust Victoria, said. "We want to raise awareness that a lot of care has gone into a tree over 100 years. It's not just good luck that it's still there."
"In our view they're really irreplaceable, especially some of these trees in urban areas where you would just never get the chance to plant a tree of that size again," Mr Buckley said. "We're hoping people think of the trees and what's best for them as they're doing works to buildings and roads around them."
Ms Whiteman did not nominate her tree but said she would be happy to see it win and help to ensure its protection, while also bringing more people to Maldon to see it. "Maldon's a lovely town and I've got a lovely tree," she said.