Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk, Gloucester NP, Pemberton
Overview
This 12 kilometre return walk starts from the world’s tallest climbable tree - the Gloucester Tree and finishes at the Cascades, a series of babbling rapids along Lefroy Brook. It uses the Bibbulmun Track.
Today, the Gloucester Tree has retired from its duties as a fire lookout tree but is available for the enjoyment of visitors. You can climb 58 metres to the lookout structure which affords spectacular views over the surrounding karri forest and farmland.
Photo Credit: Tourism WA
About the Trail
Fill your water flask, don a hat or raincoat (depending on the season) and set off on a half day adventure along a section of the Bibbulmun Track. The track passes through the Gloucester National Park which is a great example of the closed forest ecosytem that extends throughout the Southern Forest region.
You start on the 10km Gloucester Route, but when you reach the bitumen road, turn right, cross over the twin bridges, and then right again, following the trail markers back into the forest. From there, you will follow the gurgling East Brook, through the valley. Listen for the stirrings of many different creatures for them, the winding brook is a liquid lifeline.
Continue through the forest, following the old railway earthworks. This too, was once a lifeline with heavy logs hauled from the forest on the railway to the Pemberton mill. Listen carefully, you can hear the tram's horn and watch out the tourist trams using the railway line. With time the tell tale scar of the track and the timber harvest on adjacent hillsides is gradually fading as the forest continues its silent regrowth.
Timber remains a major industry for Pemberton, as you can see when you look across the town with its weatherboard houses and prominent timber mill. Equally important now, is tourism. Both rely on the same commodity – towering karri forest, now and in the future. Both can continue to exist together, as they do today. Continue to follow the trail markers until you reach the Cascades.
Take care! Listen and look out for log trucks when crossing roads.
Need to Know
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Time
Up to a half day experience. -
Distance
12km return, 6km one way. Can book a Tram pickup from the Cascades Length is 12km. -
Trail Start
Gloucester National Park at the Gloucester Tree -
Trail End
Gloucester National Park at the Cascades -
Degree of Difficulty
Moderate - Moderate level of fitness and experience required.
Bush Walk: Grade 3 - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km. -
What to Pack?
Take plenty of water with you for a three hour walk. Camera Hat, good comfortable shoes.
Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.
- Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
- Sturdy shoes
- Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
- Map or guide book where suggested
- Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
- First Aid kit
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Best Time of the Year
All year round -
Facilities
Facilities at the Gloucester Tree and at the Cascades. Gloucester Tree: DPaW Ranger Station, picnic facilities, gas barbeques, parking for small and heavy vehicles. Interpretative signage, water and toilets.
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Fees
National Park fees. No fees for walkers. Park pass is available form Pemberton Visitor Centre or at the Gloucester tree Ranger station. -
Hazards & Warnings
Take care when crossing roads. -
Prohibited Items
No pets -
Access to the Trail
Drive or bus to Pemberton then drive or walk from Pemberton 3km. -
Trail Contact
Pemberton Visitor Centre
Telephone: (08) 9776 1133
Email: pemtour@westnet.com.au
Web: http://www.pembertonvisitor.com.au
Facebook: Pemberton Visitor Centre Australia
Twitter: @visitpemberton pembertonwa southernforests tourismwa trailswa
