This year, the annual Eucalypt of the Year vote is travel themed – with the Blue Mountains one of 10 iconic Australian destinations in contention.
Did you know that the Greater Blue Mountains has the highest diversity of eucalypt species in the world, with more than 100 species calling the region home? It is the reason why the Greater Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage listed area.
From towering Blue Gum giants to rare endemic species such as the Faulconbridge Mallee Ash, eucalypts not only define the Blue Mountains by creating its distinctive blue haze, but are a major lure for visitors who come to hike and play under the vast green canopy of the World Heritage Listed Greater Blue Mountains Area.
Image - Ian Brown
In recognition of the significance of its eucalypt-dominated ecosystem, Eucalypt Australia – a charitable trust that awards grants to support the conservation and research of eucalypts – has included the Blue Mountains on a list celebrating some of the best spots to holiday among the gum trees.
From February 21, 2025, the public is being asked to vote for their favourite Australian landscape framed by the iconic gum tree, with voting closing on March 20, 2025. The winning Eucalypt of the Year destination will be announced on March 23, National Eucalypt Day.
Image Ian Brown
What is National Eucalypt Day?
This much-loved day aims to raise awareness of eucalypts and celebrate the important place they hold in the hearts and lives of Australians.
Eucalypt is a term that includes the three closely-related genera Angophora, Corymbia and Eucalyptus, all recognisable as ‘gum trees’. There are around 840 species of eucalypts dominating almost every environment around Australia, with well-known species including the Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata), River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and the massive Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnan).
Despite the group’s ubiquity across the continent, many eucalypt species are threatened by habitat clearing and climate change. Eucalypt Australia aims to raise awareness of these challenges by starting an annual conversation, in association with Remember The Wild, about Australia’s treasured eucalypts, with gardens, museums, councils and local businesses encouraged to hold events such as walks, experiences, events and ticket discounts throughout March and April to celebrate their local eucalypt species.
All events submitted before March 11 will be listed on the Eucalypt Australia website
The contenders:
This year, the 8th annual Eucalypt of the Year public vote is celebrating with a special Travel Edition celebrating some of the most iconic Australian landscapes associated with magnificent gum trees.
We live in a unique part of the world where eucalypts set the stage for unforgettable holidays. From the rainbow-barked snow gums of the High Country, to the silent ghosts of Central Australia, eucalypts shape our holiday memories, from times of adventure to moments of tranquillity and the opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Here are the contenders for Eucalypt of the Year: The Travel Edition:
- Alpine rainbows: Snow Gums in the High Country - ACT/NSW/Vic
- Ghosts of Central Australia - NT
- Shades of splendour: Eucalypt diversity in the Blue Mountains -NSW
- Regents of the Otways: Mountain Ash - Vic
- Bronzed Beauties of the Great Western Woodlands - WA
- Kakadu’s secrets of the savanna - NT
- Epic Elders of the Styx and Huon Valleys - Tas
- Resilient River Reds of Ikara-Flinders Ranges - SA
- Wondrous forests of the Walpole Wilderness - WA
- Tropical treasures of Magnetic Island – Qld
Image NPWS
Vote for the Blue Mountains!
Shades of Splendour: Eucalypt diversity in the Blue Mountains - NSW
On Sydney’s doorstep, a blue haze hangs above a scenic playground cloaked in eucalypts of every description. Locals and tourists alike flock to hike, climb, kayak and fly amongst the greatest diversity of eucalypts in the world, with more than 100 eucalypt species calling the Greater Blue Mountains home.
To vote for the Blue Mountains and our shades of splendour, visit eucalyptaustralia.org.au from February 21.
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