Gloucester Tree, Giant karri tree in Gloucester National Park, Western Australia
Gloucester Tree is a karri in Gloucester National Park, Western Australia, that rises 61 meters (200 feet) into the air. Metal pegs spiral around the trunk and lead to a viewing platform at the top.
A forester climbed the tree for the first time in 1947 to assess its suitability as a fire lookout post, taking six hours to reach the top. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, later drilled some holes for the climbing pegs himself and gave the tree its name.
The karri served for decades as a fire lookout in the forest, and visitors could follow the path of earlier fire watchers. Today the structure recalls a time when foresters used such trees as living observation towers.
Climbing access has been closed since 2023 as the Department of Biodiversity carries out structural improvements. The agency plans a new canopy platform once work is complete.
Before the closure only two in ten visitors reached the top, as the 153 metal pegs had to be climbed without safety harnesses. The ascent demanded both physical strength and overcoming fear of heights halfway up.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
