Pemberton climbing tree to reopen with new viewing platform

By: Lisa Cook

A new ladder and viewing platform will be built on Pemberton's giant karri tree, the Gloucester Tree, though this time the platform will be only 37 metres up, compared to the original 61-metre-high platform.

Due to its new height, there will be no midway platform, so it will be a steady climb to the new viewing spot above the forest floor.

The historic tree has been a major tourist attraction in Pemberton, with visitors climbing the tree for more than 50 years before its closure. It was one of eight fire lookout trees and towers built in the south-west forests between 1937 and 1952, before spotter planes were introduced.

The government is investing $3 million to upgrade the tree canopy experience across the two popular Pemberton climbs, the Gloucester Tree and Bicentennial Tree.

The Bicentennial Tree in the nearby Warren National Park is now open for climbing up to its new 20 metre platform.

An exhilarating new tree top experience has also opened near the Gloucester Tree, offering adrenaline-seekers a chance to climb and zipline through the forest canopy.

There is no date for the reopening of the Gloucester Tree climb yet, however it’s anticipated to be open before December 2025.

The attraction will eventually close permanently once the old tree reaches the end of its life.

Image credit: Tourism Western Australia