The Christmas tree was popularised in England in the mid-19th century by Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria. Brought to Australia by English and European immigrants, the Christmas tree has been an integral part of the Aussie Christmas ever since.
While there are plenty of good-quality artificial trees that look just like the real thing, nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of a fresh pine Christmas tree.
Choosing a Christmas tree can also be a fun family ritual and something that your kids will remember forever. Here’s where to find a Christmas tree farm near you…
Where to buy farm fresh Christmas trees
NSW
Christmas Tree Man
Locals are welcome to visit the farm and choose their own tree each Sunday in December; online orders are delivered free within one day of the tree being cut. Installation and pick-up services are also available. Christmas Tree prices start at $185 for a small (180cm) tree. Paddy’s River, Wingello. (02) 4884 1209; christmastreeman.com.au
Dural Christmas Tree Farm
Located 30 minutes out of Sydney’s CBD, this Christmas tree farm prides itself on perfectly shaped trees. You can order your tree online or over the phone or, if you wish to visit the farm and choose your own tree, call to make a booking. duralchristmastreefarm.com.au; (02) 9651 1010
October to December is peak season for Christmas Tree Man, when up to 15,000 trees are cut and delivered to a mix of wholesale and retail customers.
(Photography: Mark Roper / Story: Country Style)ACT
Christmas Tree Keng
This Christmas Tree Farm is technically located in NSW, but at just 29km from the Canberra CBD, it is the closest farm servicing the ACT. The folks at Christmas Tree Keng have been growing and selling real trees since 1987. All trees (no matter the size) are $90. Open from December 1. Shingle Hill Way, Bywong, christmastreekeng.com.au; 0402 246 436.
VIC
Melbourne Christmas Tree Farm
Located in Plumpton, this popular Christmas tree farm is just a half-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD. You can buy your tree online and have it delivered or simply click and collect. Prices start at $110 for a 3ft Christmas Tree. They even offer to pick up and dispose of your tree after Christmas. melbournechristmastreefarm.com.au
Daylesford Christmas Tree Farm
Located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, every tree at Daylesford Christmas Tree Farm looks good and smells amazing. Prices start at $60 for a 4ft Christmas Tree. Open every day from the 23rd November to 22nd December, 9am to 7pm, and 23rd December from 9am to 5pm. Coopers Lane, Daylesford. 0418 509 776, 0419 318 731; daylesfordchristmastreefarm.com.au
South Australia
Santa Trees Christmas Tree Farm
This family-run 20-hectare Christmas tree farm has been operating for more than 20 years. Families planning to choose and cut their own trees are encouraged to pack a picnic and make a day of it. Trees are priced from $90–$390 and delivery from $40 (depending on the size of your tree). A pick-up service is also available for $30 after Christmas. Norsworthy Road, Forreston. (08) 8389 1498; santatrees.com.au
Adelaide Hills Christmas Trees
You can start buying Christmas trees from Adelaide Hills Christmas Trees from November 22nd. They offer delivery or you can order and pick the tree up yourself. You can also find useful tips for picking a winner on their website, including the fact that “Lots of people like a really bushy tree, but keep in mind the decorations look much nicer if there are some gaps between the branches.” Prices range from $100-$165. adelaidehillschristmastrees.com.au
Queensland
Chrissy Trees 4 U
Trees at this family-run Christmas tree farm are generally 2–3 metres tall. Unfortunately, Chrissy Trees 4 U has officially sold out of fresh cut Christmas trees for 2023, but their potted Christmas trees are still available to purchase, direct from the farm. Delivery is no longer available, pick up only. 328 Reedy Creek Road, Kingaroy. (07) 4164 3161; chrissytrees4u.com.au
Gold Coast Christmas Trees
While you can choose to pick your tree up from their Burleigh Heads outlet, Gold Coast Christmas Trees offers a variety of services, including delivery, professional decorating and January pick-up. Standard Christmas tree prices range from $129 to $425. There is also a ‘Gold Service’ Christmas tree offering delivery, professional decorating and the removal of the tree in early January. This service costs between $649 and $899.
goldcoastchristmastrees.com.au
Nothing says Christmas like a real tree.
(Photography: Lauren Bamford)Western Australia
Christmas Trees of Wanneroo
From December 1, this farm is open to the public Tuesdays-Sundays, from 10am–5pm. This year, there will be no reserving of Christmas trees. Trees are individually priced, starting from $140. You are required to cut down your own tree, but assistance is available for an extra $15. 99 Rousset Road, Mariginiup, Wanneroo. (08) 9405 1351; christmastreeswa.com.au
TASMANIA
Killiecrankie Farm
Located in the Tamar Valley, this perennial plant nursery also has a Christmas tree plantation, with visitors welcome to choose and cut their own tree (keep an eye out for nesting birds), and picnic between the rows. To visit the farm, pre-purchased tickets are essential (and free). Open from November 25. Trees from $50. 228 Glengarry Road, Glengarry. 0400 575 628; killiecrankie-farm.com
CHOOSING A TREE
When looking for a real Christmas tree, seek out potted plants with compact foliage to ensure the tree has a good shape for attaching ribbons, balls, lights and other decorative pieces. One plant that stands out is the Wollemi pine, the native Australian conifer released to the world in March 2006.
Thought to be extinct, the tree was discovered over 10 years ago growing in a remote chasm in the Wollemi National Park, north of Sydney. Once dinosaur food, today it’s an ideal and long-term choice for a potted Christmas tree.
Louisa and three of her daughters apply a decorative touch to one of the 35,000 Christmas trees on their farm.
(Photography: Mark Roper / Story: Country Style)CARING FOR A REAL CHRISTMAS TREE
Cut Christmas trees don’t live forever so try to buy your tree as close to Christmas Day as possible, to keep it looking fresh. When picking your tree, make sure it doesn’t appear as if it’s already wilting, and try to get the cut base into a bucket of water as soon as possible.
Treat your cut tree like you would a cut flower in a vase; the base should remain submerged in water and continually topped up throughout the month.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS TREES
As well as pines and other conifers, there are many other plants that can be decorated for a unique Christmas tree alternative. Any shrubs that are sold as a standard or topiary can be used as a living Christmas tree.
For something a little different, bring a pot of green indoors – whatever it may be – and decorate the plant as well as the pot. Plants that look great in early summer include blue or pink hydrangeas, elegant pure white liliums and bright, leafy poinsettias.
The scarlet-red bracts of poinsettias bring a festive feel to any room and they make absolutely stunning table centrepieces. Poinsettias also come in lovely shades of pink and cream.
How long does a real Christmas tree last?
The lifespan of a real Christmas tree depends on various factors such as the tree species, how well it is cared for, and the environment in which it is placed. On average, a well-maintained Christmas tree can last anywhere from three to six weeks.
