Gloucester Tree

The Gloucester Tree is a fascinating place to visit and a big part of WA’s history. I came here early in 2021 when it was still open for climbing — trying to going up that tall karri tree was an unforgettable and slightly nerve-wracking experience! By mid-2023 it was under maintenance when I came to visit, and now it’s no longer safe to climb. Still, walking around the area is still impressive, surrounded by tall karri trees that make the forest feel so peaceful and majestic. Even without the climb, it’s a great spot to stop, take a walk, and soak in the natural beauty. *photos from 2021

Beautiful spot just out of Pemberton, easy to access just a short drive from town. You can't climb Gloucester Tree anymore but still worth checking out

The trees are wonderful. The Gloucester Tree cannot be climbed at the moment.

It is a lovely place to walk around even though cannot climb the tree. It is no longer safe to climb anymore if you talked to the park ranger instead of making judgment by self. There is a national park fee required. If you have the annual national park pass, then you are good to go like us. We got lots of information from the lady from the entrance.

The tree is currently closed while they perform maintenance. It's a tree. It's not that great. Without the tower at the top nothing really sets it apart. There is a pedestrian/ cycling path that leads the last 1.5 km from town out to the carpark for the tree. Walk this path. There are so many beautiful tall Karri trees along this path. It is fabulous. Really awe inspiring. Hunt, if you drive it's a $17 national park parking fee, but if you walk it's free.

I went there on a Saturday morning and decided to go up at a slow pace and stop as I needed. It was really good experience and really nice views from the top. It gets windy up there but doesn't feel unsafe at all from the platform. I recommend proper shoes to feel comfy all the way.

Despite the Gloucester tree being closed for climbing for a few months, we enjoyed a few good hours at the Aerial Adventure ropes and zipline course in the same area. Adrien and team have built a fabulous facility. We really enjoyed our time there. A must visit if you're in the Pemberton area.

So much fun, if you are alright with heights then your going to be able to climb the tree and see the view from up on the platform. If heights are not your thing there are plenty of lovely walk trails and a spot to have a BBQ.

The Gloucester tree is located in a beautiful national park, it was built for the purpose of a fire look out, now it is an attraction for those willing to climb it. It is 61 metres and you climb it using these nail looking prongs that are embedded into the tree. I opted out of climbing the tree and happily stayed on the ground enjoying the sounds and smells of the forest as well as some very curious little birds.

'Your safety is our concern but your responsibility' It's a rare opportunity to find tourist attractions in Australia without all the guard rails, yellow hazard signs, mandatory helmets, WHS assessments and angry men yelling at you to get back behind the line. South East Asia or Eastern Europe, yes, but Australia? I would have thought not a chance until I came across the Gloucester Tree. A short drive out of town and you're in the middle of the forest, staring up at a whole 72 metres of karri tree with 153 metal poles sticking out perpendicular to the truck, spiralling up to a wooden platform 61 meters above you and no netting to get in the way. Wow. And if the view's impressive from the bottom, wait til you get to the top! It's a bit of a work out going up what's essentially a large ladder with some large gaps between the pegs and other places where the climb is vertical - I didn't break a sweat but my heart was definitely pumping and it wasn't because of the height. Coming down is no easier as you try and feel for the next rung down. But it's all worth it - gorgeous 360 views of karri forest, mountains and the peaceful twitter of birds up in the canopy. What a stunner! Bring shoes, I dunno how you'd possibly do this in thongs.