Why is the height of the new Gloucester Tree platform lower than the previous one?

The Gloucester Tree is a living karri tree which will continue to age over time. In 2023, intensive arborist assessments were undertaken on the Gloucester and Bicentennial climbing trees. The health of the upper canopy of the Gloucester Tree was found to be in decline, and part of the upper trunk and branches were pruned for tree health and safety reasons. The new platform has since been built at an optimal height to provide a safe climbing experience for visitors while preserving the life span of the tree.

What is happening at the climbing trees?

The Cook Government’s 2024 Outdoor Adventure Tourism package is investing $3 million across both the Gloucester and Bicentennial trees to ensure they remain safe, accessible and world-class attractions for years to come.

What’s new to the Gloucester Tree?

The Gloucester Tree reopened with a stunning new platform in June 2026. Adventurous climbers can now ascend to a new lookout that’s as high as a 12-storey building to take in panoramic views of the surrounding karri forest within Gloucester National Park.

Is it safe to climb the Gloucester Tree?

The Department has an extensive visitor risk management program in place to identify, assess and mitigate risks in ways that allow visitors to enjoy the natural and cultural values managed by the Department. The Climbing Trees are part of this program and provide a unique climbing experience, those wishing to climb the Gloucester Tree need to make an assessment of their own skill, experience and determine if it is a suitable activity for them. The new platform and climb have design elements that improve visitor safety.

How big is the new platform at the Gloucester Tree?

The new platform is approximately 13m2, which could hold approximately 15 people comfortably. For reference the previous tower had three levels, each level was approximately 4m2.

Who designed and installed the new platform at the Gloucester Tree?

The new platform’s eye-catching design was developed by an in-house team at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), with fabrication and installation led by local company Precision Contracting Pty Ltd.

Why did both trees need to be closed?

In 2023, both trees were closed to allow for structural investigations and upgrades to the viewing platforms.

Why is the Bicentennial tree closing?

The Bicentennial Tree will be temporarily closed from 21 September to the end of November 2026 while specialist crews carry out repegging works and install new ladder sidewall mesh, an exciting milestone in the ongoing upgrade of this iconic attraction.

To allow these works to be completed safely, the entire Bicentennial Tree site will be closed until 2 October 2026. From 3 October, the site will reopen to visitors, with only the Bicentennial Tree remaining closed through to the end of November while work continues.

Visitors can still enjoy many of the site's other facilities while the tree is closed for climbing, including the picnic and BBQ area, shelter, walking trails and public toilets.

These works will help support future improvements, including plans for the upper canopy structure currently being designed as part of the project.

What will the new upgrades look like at the Bicentennial Tree?

The upgrade replacement will provide a multi-level experience, with the top platform decks planned for upper canopy views of the karri forest surrounds.

What else is there to do in Pemberton?

There is so much to see and do in Pemberton, from the ropes course at Aerial Adventure Pemberton and the mountain biking trails at the Pemberton Arboretum through to local vineyards and culinary delights.

The reopened and improved Gloucester Tree is a fantastic addition to visitor itineraries for the Southern Forests.