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If your idea of fun involves scaling a 61-metre-tall ancient tree via nothing but metal pegs hammered into the bark – without a harness – we have good news. One of Australia’s most iconic tree climbs has officially reopened, boasting a new lookout sitting a casual 12 storeys above the forest floor.
Located in Gloucester National Park – just under four hours’ drive from Perth CBD – the heritage-listed Gloucester Tree is one of Western Australia’s top nature experiences. Brave visitors have climbed the steel spikes of this 61-metre-high former fire lookout tree for decades, without a harness or supervision. However, it was closed in late 2023 due to structural and public safety concerns.
Following an extensive $3.5 million structural upgrade – which included removing about ten metres of deteriorated wood from the top – the towering tree climb finally reopened on June 27. Adventurers must scale a spiral of metal pegs to reach the brand-new viewing platform that sits 37 metres high in the forest canopy. It’s a slightly safer height than the previous 53-metre lookout, but trust us – the views are no less spectacular.
If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on the forest floor, Gloucester National Park has plenty of beautiful nature trails that won’t trigger vertigo. You can wander through the towering karri forest on the relaxed ten-kilometre Gloucester Route, or complete sections of the legendary Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, which both snake right through the national park.
For more of an adrenaline rush, you can drive 20 minutes to the 75-metre-tall Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. While its upper canopy levels are currently undergoing upgrades, the first 20-metre platform is open for free-climbing. See you in the sky!