AN OAK in Castlemaine's botanic gardens has been crowned Victoria's tree of the year.
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The National Trust of Australia's Victorian division has revealed the stately English oak's new title.
The tree - also known as the Royal Oak - was planted in 1863 to celebrate the marriage of the prince and princess of Wales.
The oldest tree in the botanic gardens has now grown to over 22 metres tall.
The public voted the oak tree of the year and told the National Trust's Victorian division that they loved its beautiful foliage and wide canopy, chief executive Simon Ambrose said.
"It is a popular picnic spot, and children love collecting its leaves and acorns," he said.
Mount Alexander Shire mayor Tony Cordy said he was thrilled to learn of the oak's win.
"Thank you to everyone who voted for our magnificent English Oak tree. It's a remarkable thing to have a tree in our botanical gardens recognised widely for its beauty and presence," he said.
"Memories are made under the shade and foliage of our mighty English oak and we hope that people are still celebrating it in another 160 years."
Nine trees from the National Trust Significant Tree Register were shortlisted for the award, with six of the finalists hailing from Melbourne and three from regional Victoria.
