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The Gloucester National Park is just one of the many natural attractions scattered around the town of Pemberton.
The park contains the state's most famous karri tree from which the park gets its name. The Gloucester Tree was one of a series of eight fire
lookout trees that were established in the forest from 1937 to 1952. This tree is over 60 metres tall and the fire lookout tower on top was
constructed in 1947.
Forrester Jack Watson first climbed the tree using a belt and climbing boots to determine if it was suitable for use as a fire lookout. The climb
took 6 hours and is still recognised today as an amazing feat of courage and endurance.
Lopping of the trees branches to allow access to the top and placing the 153 climbing pegs into the trunk was done by George Reynolds. While he
was removing one large branch it fell awkwardly removing a section of pegs, stranding George in the tree until his assistant could repair the
damage from below.
During the construction of the lookout the Governor General of Australia and the Duke of Gloucester were visiting the south west and they visited
the site to see the progress. The tree was named in honour of the Duke.
The original cabin was built of timber but by 1973 this was deteriorating and was replaced by an aluminium and steel structure.
The tree can be climbed by visitors as can the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree and the Diamond Tree (also near Pemberton.) Climbing is popular but is
not for the feint hearted. Over 100,000 visitors come to the Gloucester tree each year.
Karri trees reach their full height by the age of 75 years but they can live up to 350 years.
Apart from the Gloucester Tree there are a number of walks in the park which include:
- Duke's Walk. Rated easy. 400 metre loop trail.
- Gloucester Route. Rated moderate. 10 kilometres.
- Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk. 12 kilometres.
- Gloucester Tree Walk. Rated moderate. 3 kilometres.
- Karri Views. Rated easy. 800 metres.
- Nyoongar Walk. Rated easy. 1.5 kilometre loop.
- The Cascades. Rated easy. 1.5 kilometres.
- Waugal's Walk. Rated easy. 6 kilometres.
See our Walking Trails pages for more suggestions on places to walk.
Another attraction in the park is called The Cascades. This is located at the southern end of the park and can be reached by vehicle
or via a 1.5 kilometre walk trail.
Here the Lefroy Brook flows over a series of rock shelves and it is a great spot for a picnic.
NPW Website for more information
Best time to visit:
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