Fire lookout towers were constructed in the tallest trees of the karri forest in the south west of Western Australia in response to the threat of fire. Eight lookout towers were built between 1937 and 1952.
Today, visitors can climb the Gloucester, Diamond and Dave Evans Bicentennial trees.
The Gloucester Tree lookout was built in 1947 is the tallest of the karri trees near Pemberton, standing 60 metres tall. The tree is located in the Gloucester National Park and is signposted from Pemberton. The Gloucester Tree viewing platform is 58 metres above the ground. The platform and decking at the base of the tree is wheelchair friendly.
The Diamond Tree was used as a lookout to spot fires in the Manjimup area from 1941. Nowadays visitors can climb the tree to survey the spectacular view from the viewing platform that is 51 metres above the ground.
The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree was pegged in 1988 during Australia’s bicentennial celebrations and is 75 metres tall. The tree is located in the Warren National Park, which is also home to the Marianne North Tree.
Location:
- Gloucester National Park is located 330 kilometres south of the city of Perth. It is 33 kilometres south west of Manjimup and just three kilmetres from Pemberton.
- The Diamond Tree is located 17 kilometres south of Manjimup, on Diamond Tree Road, and can be reached via South Western Highway or from Vasse Highway.
- Warren National Park is 348 kilometres south of Perth. It is 70 kilometres south of Nannup, or 15 kilometres south west of Pemberton.
Australia’s South West
Pemberton Visitor Centre