A Brown Barrel tree in Kangaloon has reached national champion status.
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The tree, known scientifically as a Eucalyptus fastigata, has been named the biggest of its kind in Australia on the National Register of Big Trees.
The new champion has a circumference of 13.20 metres, height of 40.00 metres and crown of 40.00 metres.
National Register of Big Trees coordinator Derek McIntosh said the American National Forest System was used to determine champion trees.
"They've been the system using for 80 years. It's a holistic assessment of the whole tree. You measure circumference, height and crown spread," Mr McIntosh said.
Mr McIntosh said while Brown Barrel trees were common in the Highlands, the tree in Kangaloon stood head and shoulders above the rest.
The former champion tree was located in Burrawang.
"It's the biggest Brown Barrel tree. They're very common in the Highlands and there's some absolute monsters," Mr McIntosh said.
"By chance I pulled into the side road [next to the tree] and said 'what's this tree?'
"I've driven along this street many times in past 10 years since I've had the register but I've never seen this tree."
There are more than 820 champion trees on the national register, with both Australian and state champions.
"It creates a wonderful awareness of big trees," Mr McIntosh said.
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"It's about pride and interest, you've got something to hang your hat on.
"It makes people appreciate and talk about the big trees."
The tree is located on the corner of Kangaloon Road and Trig Station Lane.
Visit https://www.nationalregisterofbigtrees.com.au to view the full national register of big trees.
