Kauri Pine: Fraser Coast’s official tree

The Kauri Pine has been adopted as the official tree of the Fraser Coast, recognising its deep cultural, historical and environmental significance to the region.

Found naturally on K’gari and the mainland, the Kauri Pine reflects the Fraser Coast’s identity, resilience and strong connection to the natural environment.

Kauri Pine - fast facts

• Scientific name: Agathis robusta
• Height: Up to 50 metres
• Lifespan: More than 1,000 years
• Native to: K’gari and the mainland between Maryborough and Tewantin
• Traditional name: Nunmoola
• Significance: Cultural, historical and environmental

Bark of Kauri Pine tree

Why the Kauri Pine?

The Kauri Pine was chosen because of its long-standing connection to the Fraser Coast’s people, places and history.

It is:

  • Culturally significant to the Butchulla People 
  • Historically important to the region’s timber and industrial heritage 
  • Environmentally valuable as a native rainforest species

Cultural significance

The Kauri Pine holds deep cultural meaning for the Butchulla People.

Traditionally known as Nunmoola, the tree was used for medicine and tools and features in stories that connect people to Country.

Recognising the Kauri Pine as the region’s official tree helps honour this ongoing cultural connection.

Historical significance

The Kauri Pine played a key role in the Fraser Coast’s early development.

By the 1860s, Kauri logs harvested from K’gari and surrounding forests were milled in Maryborough, helping establish the region as a centre for timber export, engineering and manufacturing.

Demand for Kauri timber also contributed to the construction of Queensland’s first steam locomotive, the Mary Ann, built in Maryborough in 1873.

Environmental significance

The Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta) is an ancient rainforest species that can live for more than 1,000 years and grow up to 50 metres tall.

It contributes to:

  • healthy ecosystems 
  • habitat for wildlife 
  • long-term environmental resilience 

Its presence across K’gari and the mainland continues to shape the natural character of the Fraser Coast.

A symbol for the Fraser Coast

The Kauri Pine represents strength, endurance and the deep connection between the community and the natural environment.

It will be recognised through educational, environmental and ceremonial initiatives that celebrate the Fraser Coast’s unique natural heritage.

To commemorate the formal adoption of the Kauri Pine as the Fraser Coast’s official tree on 25 March 2026, Council planted one at Brendan Hansen Park in Granville, in honour of the late Peter Olds OAM, who first proposed the species as the region's arboreal emblem.

Kauri Pine tree in memory of Peter Olds OAM

Kauri Pine tree in memory of Peter Olds OAM

(JPG, 373KB)
Kauri Pine tree in memory of Peter Olds OAM

Kauri Pine tree in memory of Peter Olds OAM

(JPG, 320KB)
Kauri Pine tree in memory of Peter Olds OAM

Kauri Pine tree in memory of Peter Olds OAM

(JPG, 358KB)

Looking ahead

There are opportunities to incorporate Kauri Pine plantings into community initiatives such as:

  • National Tree Day 
  • World Environment Day 
  • Local revegetation and restoration projects 

These activities help connect the community with the region’s natural environment and support long-term sustainability.

Learn more

To learn more about environmental programs and initiatives across the Fraser Coast, visit:

Natural Environment 

 

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