Gloucester Tree

The Gloucester Tree has once again reopened to climbers, with visitors now able to ascend to a new in-canopy viewing platform located 37 metres above the forest floor.

The iconic karri tree was temporarily closed to climbing from 2023-2026 following an engineering assessment that identified structural issues with the original platform. As part of the Western Australian Government’s Outdoor Adventure Tourism package, significant upgrades have been undertaken to ensure the long-term future of this much-loved attraction while providing an exciting new visitor experience.

Once standing 61 metres tall, the Gloucester Tree was selected as a fire lookout in 1947 and was one of eight lookout trees established throughout the south-west forests between 1937 and 1952. Before the introduction of spotter planes, a network of fire lookout trees and towers played a critical role in protecting the region’s forests, with foresters scanning the landscape for the first signs of smoke.

The tree was named after the then Governor-General of Australia, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, who visited during construction and famously tried his hand at boring holes for the climbing pegs.

Today, the Gloucester Tree remains one of Western Australia’s most iconic nature-based attractions and a must-visit experience in the Southern Forests & Valleys. Visitors can climb to the new viewing platform, enjoy a picnic beneath the towering karri trees, meet the local birdlife or explore the surrounding walking trails through Gloucester National Park.

For those seeking even more adventure, the nearby Aerial Adventure Pemberton high ropes course offers an exhilarating treetop experience, while the Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park is currently open for climbing to the first platform, 20 metres above the forest floor.