Pemberton's iconic Gloucester Tree reopens with new 37m lookout

Pemberton's iconic Gloucester Tree has reopened to the public, giving visitors the chance to climb into the karri canopy once again from a brand-new lookout as high as a 12-storey building.

The new viewing platform sits 37 metres above the forest floor, offering sweeping views across Gloucester National Park. It replaces the previous climb, which took adventurous visitors 67 metres up the tree before the attraction closed in 2023 due to safety concerns.

One of the South West's most recognisable attractions, the Gloucester Tree has welcomed climbers for more than 50 years. Originally built as one of eight fire lookout trees and towers constructed between 1937 and 1952, it played an important role in spotting bushfires before aerial surveillance became the norm.

The reopened attraction forms part of the State Government's $3 million investment to upgrade the iconic Gloucester and Bicentennial climbing trees, ensuring visitors can continue experiencing the forest canopy while helping protect the living trees for generations to come. The innovative new platform wraps around the trunk to minimise impacts on the giant karri.

The nearby Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park will be upgrade next, and will temporarily close while a new 20-metre climbing platform is built.

For those looking to extend their adventure, the nearby Aerial Adventure Pemberton offers high ropes courses and ziplines through the towering karri forest, making it the perfect addition to a day exploring the Southern Forests.