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  2. Gloucester National Park
  3. Gloucester Tree

Gloucester Tree

We recognise and acknowledge Bibbulman people as the traditional owners of Gloucester National Park.

Climb into the canopy of the karri forest at the Gloucester Tree for spectacular views.

No dogs

Park entry fee

Gloucester Tree
Francis Andrijich

About this place

Currently, the Gloucester Tree in Gloucester National Park is temporarily closed to climbing until further notice due to management operations. The Gloucester Tree day visit area, facilities and walk trails remain open to the public. The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park offers an alternative tree climbing experience.

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 available for the enjoyment of visitors. When open - you can climb 53m to the lookout structure for spectacular views over the surrounding karri forest and farmland.

Back to Gloucester National Park

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!

Gallery

Image
People standing at the bottom watching a visitor climb to the top
Gloucester Tree
Bron Anderson

Image
Forest of tall green trees
Gloucester National Park
Bron Anderson

Gloucester National Park

Image
Family walking on wooden decking in front of large tree trunk.
Gloucester Tree
Francis Andrijich

Image
Person climbing tall tree using metal pegs.
Gloucester Tree
Francis Andrijich

Image
Two people climbing tall tree using metal pegs.
Gloucester Tree
Tourism WA

Image
Person standing on metal peg looking down from a tall tree.
Gloucester Tree
Tourism WA

Image
Two people walking on dirt path in forest.
Gloucester Tree
Tourism WA

Image
People following directional signage and walking along dirt path towards Gloucester Tree.
Gloucester Tree
Tourism WA

Image
View from the top of the Gloucester Tree
Gloucester Tree
Bronwyn Wells

View from the top of the Gloucester Tree

Image
View looking down from the top of the Gloucester Tree
Gloucester Tree
Bronwyn Wells

Facilities

Barbecue

Toilet

Activities

Bushwalking

Mountain biking

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Gloucester Tree.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Bibbulman people as the traditional owners of Gloucester National Park.

Need to know

No dogs

No pets allowed

Park entry fees apply

Standard park entry fees apply for Gloucester National Park.

Toilets

Toilets are available.

Park office / Contact

Pemberton Parks and Wildlife Office

Phone: (08) 9776 1207

Contact this office by email

Location

Australia's South West
Pemberton

Getting there

You can get to this site by: Two-wheel drive and large vehicles > 7m

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Where can I purchase a Parks Pass?

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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