Bicentennial Tree in Western Australia’s Pemberton region reopens for climbing

For decades, travellers to Pemberton in Western Australia’s south west have climbed almost 60 metres to the top of the Gloucester and Dave Evans Bicentennial trees without a harness or supervision. The trees offer natural attractions considered to be among Western Australia’s major tourism assets.

In 2023, both trees were closed to allow for structural investigations and upgrades to the viewing platforms.

The Bicentennial Tree has now reopened for climbers to reach the 20-metre platform following $3 million of Western Australian Government funding.

It's the first step in a program of upgrades at the Gloucester and Bicentennial Trees, so they can both be fully reopened for climbing.

The funding is part of the Western Australian Government's Outdoor Adventure Tourism package, which is investing $3 million across both climbing trees.

It will see the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions will work with a range of specialists including engineers and arborists to detail and implement design solutions for both trees to have an upper tree canopy experience at Bicentennial Tree and a mid-tree platform at Gloucester Tree in the next 12 months.

The Southern Forests are a spectacular destination with stunning karri and jarrah forests and plenty of places to visit and explore. Park entry fees have been waived at Gloucester National Park and people are encouraged to come and experience the tree canopy ropes and zip-line course offered there by Aerial Adventure Pemberton.

Western Australian acting Environment Minister Dr Tony Buti advised "the Bicentennial Tree is a major unique tourism asset and it's paramount that we continue to invest in our world-class natural attractions.

"The community and industry have been very patient while arborists and engineers have been working behind the scenes and we appreciate the understanding and support during this upgrade process."