South West icon is one step closer to reopening though it is unlikely to reach the same lofty heights

A South West tourism icon is one step closer to reopening. Pemberton’s Gloucester Tree closed to climbers in November 2023 due to structural and public safety concerns and in May last year the State Government announced an investment of $3.5 million to facilitate major upgrades. This month the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions released a contract tender for the upgrades showing the new viewing platform of the tree would be at a height of 37.3m and the top 10m would be removed because it was decayed. A DBCA spokesperson said preserving the health of the tree whilst maintaining a safe climbing experience was the top priority. “A single-level 37m canopy experience was chosen to maximise the tree’s longevity while preserving the iconic climbing experience. Thirty-seven metres is still high — the same as about a 12-storey building,” the spokesperson said. “Part of the additional work included the removal of approximately 10m of decayed upper trunk identified by an arborist,” the spokesperson said, reducing the tree’s height from 49m to around 40m. “Significant work has been undertaken by arborists and engineers to protect tree health.” Despite the changes the spokesperson said the overall experience would remain the same for visitors. “DBCA remains committed to maintaining the free-climb nature of the Gloucester and Bicentennial climbing trees, which is central to their appeal,” they said. “There is no plan to introduce supervision.” Whilst plans for the Gloucester Tree are making progress, upgrades to the taller and less visited Bicentennial Tree have yet to be revealed after the reopening of the 20m-high viewing platform last year. “While DBCA works on the Gloucester Tree, the Bicentennial Tree remains open to climbers. Once the Gloucester Tree reopens, DBCA will shift its focus to construct the upper lookout platform on the Bicentennial Tree,” the spokesperson said. “DBCA’s intention is to ensure a climbing tree experience is available at one of the trees throughout the duration of the upgrade works.” With the tender open for work on the Gloucester Tree’s viewing platform closing on May 15, the project’s timeline will be better understood once a contractor is selected. In the meantime, the spokesperson said they have waived all entry fees to Gloucester National Park to ensure there is no disincentive for people to visit the area and to experience the new multi-level ropes and zip-line course offered by tourism operator Aerial Adventure Pemberton at the Gloucester Tree.