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Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk, Gloucester NP, Pemberton Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk, Gloucester NP, Pemberton

Bush Walk

(+1)
Trail Running
 in South West

  • Half day
  • 12 km
    • Bush Walk Class 3

      Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

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.

Gloucester Tree To Cascades Walk Tourism Wa
Earn 2 Points Popular Trail Bibbulmun Track
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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 telltale 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.

Pemberton Visitor Centre

(08) 9776 1133

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Be trail ready for Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk, Gloucester NP, Pemberton

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Up to a half-day experience.

Length

12km return, 6km one way. Can book a Tram pickup from the Cascades

What To Pack

Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Gloucester National Park at the Gloucester Tree

Get directions

Trail End

Gloucester National Park at the Cascades

Get directions

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Hazards & Warnings

Take care when crossing roads.

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.
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Car Park
  • Coach Parking
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities

Best time of year

All year round

Fees

National Park fees. No fees for walkers. Park pass is available form Pemberton Visitor Centre or at the Gloucester tree Ranger station.

Trail Access

Drive or bus to Pemberton then drive or walk from Pemberton 3km.

Prohibited Items

No pets
More tips for being Trail Ready
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Complete Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk, Gloucester NP, Pemberton to earn badges and points!

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Earn 2 Points

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Popular Trail Bibbulmun Track

Earn the Popular Trail , and Bibbulmun Track badges when you complete this trail.

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1 trail goers have rated Gloucester Tree to Cascades Walk, Gloucester NP, Pemberton as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Sarah Meredith

Reviewed 20 Apr 2022, 11:00am

A nice walk from the tree down to the cascades. There is a quite a steep and long hill at the cascades end of the walk, whereas the Gloucester Tree end is very pleasant and flat.

Please note, if you're starting from the tree, you'll need to follow the Bibbulmun signs (yellow triangle with a snake), which will start you down the 10 km Gloucester Route walk. After turning right at the bitumen, you'll eventually see the sign for the Cascades Walk (you can also simply park at this section on Burma Road). It's very easy to make the wrong turn onto Eastbrook Trail (road leading to the cascades), so make sure you're actually on the walk track.

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