Communities in Western Australia's south have been eagerly waiting for the reopening of the 61-metre-tall Gloucester and Dave Evans Bicentennial trees in Pemberton, a popular tourist destination. Closed in 2023 due to safety issues, the trees have been a significant attraction for climbers for over 50 years. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) had initially considered the possibility of permanent closure, causing worry among local tourism operators.
In response to concerns, the state government recently announced a $3 million allocation as part of a larger adventure tourism package to improve the climbing trees. However, despite the funding injection, the DBCA anticipates that the trees will remain shut for at least another year to facilitate necessary maintenance work. While visitors are encouraged to explore alternative activities in Gloucester National Park during this period, stakeholders in the tourism sector are eager for more details on the timeline and scope of the planned upgrades.
Tourism Council CEO Evan Hall expressed cautious optimism about the tree's potential reopening, citing past instances where the climbing trees were closed and reopened after extensive maintenance. He emphasized the need for sustained maintenance efforts to enhance the visitor experience and ensure the long-term viability of the attraction. Local tour guide Graeme Dearle welcomed the funding announcement as a positive step towards revitalizing tourism in the area, acknowledging the economic importance of iconic attractions like the climbing trees in attracting domestic and international visitors. The DBCA confirmed ongoing collaboration with experts to address structural issues by replacing upper-tree towers on both giant trees.