Australia’s tallest tree ‘Centurion’ survives destructive bushfires - but the 500-year-old, 100-metre tall wonder is left severely burned
- Australia's tallest tree has survived Tasmania's devastating Riveaux Road fires
- A scorched, large gaping hole is the only damage to the 500-year-old tree
- Bushfires have destroyed more than 60,000 hectares since mid-January
- Shrubs and leaves from the area around the base was cleared to prevent damage
Australia's tallest tree has survived Tasmania's fierce bushfires, with the only damage a scorched, gaping hole at the base of the 100-metre tall Eucalyptus tree.
The tree's survival is a silver lining to the devastating Riveaux Road fire, which destroyed thousands of hectares in the Huon Valley, in southern Tasmania.
The nearby tourist attraction Tahune Airwalk wasn't as fortunate, copping extensive damage from the flames.
The 100.5 metre tall tree remains largely intact with no structural damage, apart from a large gaping hole at the base
Senior forest officer Chris Bond inspected the tree and will continue to monitor the impacts of the bushfire, but at this stage it remains structurally sound, 'the tree itself appears to be OK,' he said.
'The immediate area surrounding Centurion has not been severely burnt by the bushfire,' Mr Bond said.
Centurion didn't just get lucky, extensive efforts were made to protect the world's tallest flowering plant, which sits on the state-owned forestry company's land.
A 20 metre area around the base of the 100.5 metre high Eucalyptus tree was raked and cleared, as well as the removal of ladder fuel and low shrubs.
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Centurion has been a tourist attraction since it was discovered in 2008, and its survival is welcome news.
At least 63,000 hectares of land has been burnt by the ongoing blaze since mid-January.
Road access has been restored near Centurion, however the nearby airwalk remains closed for an extended period and is unlikely to open until late this year.
The airwalk suffered devastating fire damage, which is sure to be a big blow for Tasmanian tourism.
The 500-year-old tree was discovered in 2008 and has become a big tourist attraction nearby the Tahune Airwalk, which was devastated by the Riveaux Road fires
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