This is a photograph of one of the biggest trees in the Valley of the Giants in Tasmania, Australia. It is believed to be more than 500 years old.
Source: Possibly Dr Craig Emerson
The Valley of the Giants is also known as the Styx Valley and is about 90 minutes from Hobart, the capital of the State of Tasmania. It is home to the World's tallest hardwood trees - Swamp Gums (Eucalyptus regnans), also known as giant ash, mountain ash, Victorian ash, swamp gum, Tasmanian oak or stringy gum. Many are over 400 years old, 16 feet wide at the base and grow up to 375 feet tall.
Eucalyptus regnans is the tallest of all flowering plants. The tallest living specimen, is named "Centurion" and stands 327 feet tall (100 metres).
I've walked and camped amongst those giants on four different occasions over the years between 1974 and 1982, three times with friends and once alone. To say that they were awe-inspiring experiences would be an understatement. I still remember those giants whispering to me during my quietest moments.
