THE GLOUCESTER TREE
by Graeme Olsen
When you think of thrillseeker
adventures, tree climbing isn't normally what first
springs to mind. But this is a tree with a difference.
A million people can't be wrong.
That's how many people have climbed the giant
Gloucester Tree. In fact, hundreds of thousands
of people travel to Pemberton every year to
tackle this famous karri tree, and in 2002
it carried it's 1 millionth climber to the
top.
Standing at 61 meters tall, the Gloucester
Tree is from the Karri family, which is
the third tallest tree species in the world.
It was pegged in 1946 so that people could
climb it and use it as a watchtower for
bushfires. Today it has become a very popular
tourist attraction in the south west - and
it's definitely not for the faint hearted.
For those of you who haven't stood next
to a towering karri tree amongst the cool
surroundings of a beautiful karri forrest
- what are you waiting for? There's only
one place in the whole world where the karri
tree grows. You guessed it, in the south
west.
A great day awaits those of venture out
to see this great specimen (Eucalyptus Diversicolour).
First, just for a treat, when you arrive
at the base of the tree you're normally greeted
by a myriad of native birds that flock to
your arms, looking for a feed.
Once you've enjoyed that for a while,
it's time to tackle the tree. And there's only one
way to do it. By hand and foot up the pegs that
have been stuck into the side of the tree. All the
way, 61 metres up.
But there's a great reward. The view
from the top of the tree is fantastic, and all the
more special because of the effort you made to get
there. The panoramic view of the top of the forrest
shows why it was such a good fire-spotting technique.
Then there's just the small matter
of getting back down. I challenge anyone to say
they honestly don't feel a flutter of nervousness
as they look down and take that first step onto
the ladder rung below!
The Gloucester Tree is in Pemberton,
within the striking karri forrests of the south
west, and only about 3km from the post office. Pemberton
is great at any time of the year. Winters within
the forrest are beautiful, but the summers have
their own attractions too, with plenty of cool fresh
water rivers to swim or fish in.
To get exact directions to the Gloucester
Tree, or any of the other climbing trees around
Pemberton, drop into the Pemberton Visitor Centre.
Their web site is at www.pembertontourist.com.au.
January 2004
who is the youngest person to climb the Gloucester tree.
Daniel, 14 November 2008
This is really cool. I saw this tree on a Globe Trekker episode. I wish I had the money to go to Australia to climb to the top of that beautiful tree.
Armand, 8 January 2009
I first saw the tree in 1967 at the age of 7. I was not allowed to climb it at the time but never forgot about it. On the 4th of Jan 2009 41 years later I found myself back in Pemberton and I competed a life long dream of climbing the tree. Not an eazy task I must admit, for someone not crazy about heights like me.
Tony, 15 January 2009
hey did you know that my pops dad, 'george' reynolds was one of people how first peged the tree.
my pop jack reynolds was also one of the first to climb it, their names are in the recording book, next time you go check it out!
amy watson, 12 February 2009
I climbed the gloucester tree above 5 years ago when i was in australia visiting family, my brother and i were the only two of our group to climb it. It was amazing, even though i climbed bare foot and in a skirt.
Samantha, 29 March 2009
I climbed it twice in the early 1970s, and I never did have a head for heights! I think I would have to partake of several neat whiskies if I were to consider doing it again. Crikey!
Colin Abbott, 29 April 2009
I climbed this tree when I was 24...am now 53. It was absolutely amazing...only thing was the small matter of getting down...my hubby had to climb up to rescue me.
Gail, 20 May 2009
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