Gloucester Tree

The Gloucester Tree was closed to climbing in 2023 when an engineering assessment identified structural issues with the platform at the top of the tree. The top platform of the Bicentennial Tree was also closed.  

As part of the Cook Labor Government’s Outdoor Adventure Tourism package, $3 million is being invested in these trees to upgrade the platforms and reopen the trees to climbing.  

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is working closely with engineers, arborists and other specialists to design and construct an upper tree canopy experience at Bicentennial Tree and an in-canopy platform at the Gloucester tree over the next 12 to 18 months.  

While we take care of this much-loved tree, check out the thrilling Aerial Adventure Pemberton high ropes course for some adrenalin packed fun!  

In other good news, the Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park is open for climbing to the first platform which is 20m above the forest floor.  

Before the introduction of spotter planes to look out for fires, a network of 18 fire lookout trees and towers were spread out across the south-west forests. From the top of these lookouts, foresters used to scan the landscape around them for the first signs of smoke.

Foresters selected the Gloucester Tree to use as a fire lookout in 1947. It was one of eight lookout trees built in the south-west between 1937 and 1952. There were also 10 other lookout towers constructed from timber or built on high points in the landscape. To determine its suitability as a lookout tree, forester Jack Watson climbed it using climbing boots and a belt. It took him a gruelling six hours to reach the top and return.

The tree was named after the then Governor-General of Australia, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. He visited the tree and watched the pegging of the ladder and lopping of the branches to construct the lookout. Apparently the Duke showed an interest in the tools used by the axemen. He tried his hand at using the auger to bore holes for the climbing pegs and remarked that it did not seem too difficult a task. The axeman replied “Come off it - you’re not through the bloody sapwood yet!”

Today, the Gloucester Tree has retired from its duties as a fire lookout tree but is still a great place to visit. You can have a picnic, meet the local birdlife or explore the karri forest on foot along several walk trails of varying distances.