A series of fire lookouts were constructed in the top of a few very tall Karri trees, mainly during the 1930s and 1940s. These lookouts were a way of spotting fires in the tall Karri forest. The first Karri fire lookout tower, called the Big Tree, was constructed in 1938. By 1952, eight tree towers had been constructed. A trilogy of karri tree towers remain and are open to the public..
Today you can still climb some of these lookout trees and take in their view:
The Gloucester Tree in the Gloucester National Park is only 2kms from the Post Office in Pemberton. The Gloucester Tree was chosen as a fire lookout in 1947, one of a network of lookouts built in the Karri forest between 1937 and 1952. The Gloucester Tree was named after the then Governor-General of Australia, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, who was visiting Pemberton as the lookout was being built. Today, visitors can climb up the 61m to see one of the most spectacular views of the Karri forest.
The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree in the Warren National Park is a 15 minute drive from the Pemberton township, and off the Old Vasse Road. The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree lookout was first pegged in 1988 as part of Australia’s bicentennial celebrations. At 75m above the ground, it is the tallest with a 360-degree view of old growth Karri forest.
The Diamond Tree between Manjimup and Pemberton is also a 15 minute drive from either town, on the Southwest Highway. The Diamond Tree is a 51m Karri tree on which a wooden cabin was built and used as a fire lookout tower from 1941 to 1974. It is the only wooden tree top tower in the world.
Please note that cars require a National Park Pass to enter the national parks in which the climbing trees are located. These can be purchased from the Pemberton Visitor Centre prior to arrival. Please call into the Pemberton Visitor Centre for any information on these climbing trees. We are open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.