The new platform at the Gloucester Tree. Photo - DBCA
The iconic Gloucester Tree has reopened following a major Cook Government investment, giving visitors the chance to once again experience one of Western Australia's most famous nature-based tourism attractions.
Adventurous climbers can now ascend to a new lookout that’s as high as a 12-storey building to take in views of the surrounding karri forest within Gloucester National Park.
The new platform’s eye-catching design was developed by an in-house team at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, with fabrication and installation led by local company Precision Contracting Pty Ltd.
The innovative design wraps around the trunk while minimising impacts on the living tree, allowing visitors to experience the canopy while helping protect the iconic karri into the future.
The tree’s reopening strengthens Pemberton’s appeal as a nature-based tourism destination and presents new opportunities for operators to reintroduce the Gloucester Tree into itineraries, alongside other canopy adventures such as Aerial Adventure Pemberton’s zipline and high ropes courses.
The Cook Government's $3 million investment in the Gloucester and Bicentennial trees is helping secure the future of two of Western Australia's most iconic visitor attractions, supporting local tourism businesses, regional jobs and the South West economy.
Works will now shift to the Bicentennial Tree, which will temporarily close to allow for the completion of upgrades including a new canopy lookout.
Work completed
- removal of previous Gloucester Tree and Bicentennial Tree structures
- tree health inspections and retrenchment pruning on Gloucester and Bicentennial Tree
- new Gloucester Tree platform design completed
- new Gloucester Tree construction contract awarded
- new Gloucester Tree platform completed
Work underway
- Bicentennial Tree upper canopy structure is currently being designed.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Contact the project team
Project location
Project timeline
Investigation and design planning
- An engineering assessment identified structural issues with the platforms at the Gloucester and Bicentennial Trees that required their closure to climbers.
Bicentennial Tree partially reopened
- Following upgrades to the existing mid-level platform, the Bicentennial Tree reopened to a height of 20m, providing a climbing option while the Gloucester Tree was closed.
Contract awarded for Gloucester Tree
- DBCA engaged local Manjimup contractor Precision Contracting Pty Ltd to deliver the new lookout platform at the Gloucester Tree and is anticipated to reopen for climbing by June 2026.
Gloucester Tree reopened
- Following completion of upgrades to the new lookout platform, the Gloucester Tree reopened to the public on Saturday, 27 June 2026.