Climbing the Gloucester Tree and Margaret River WA

Monday 25 March 2013 - Wednesday 27 March 2013

On our way to Margaret River we visited the Gloucester tree where you can climb up 153 pegs and make the 61 meter climb to the top.  The platform at the top was originally built as a fire lookout and provides some spectacular views of the Karri forest.  We were fortunate to have a break in the wind and rain so Craig, Brett, Aidan and Jayla made the climb to the top. The two younger boys were very dissapointed that they could not climb the tree due to their age. 
 

 

 
 


That night we stayed at a road side truck stop.  Just as we finished cooking dinner it started to rain so we had dinner in the camper trailer and watched a dvd.
 

After dropping into the very busy town of Margaret River, we drove down a 15 minute four wheel drive track and found another beautiful camp spot amongst more peppermint trees.  As there was no campers and it was coming up to the Easter weekend we thought we were quite lucky to find such a great camp area.

 
 
The next day Vanessa and I headed into Margaret river for a bit of retail therapy and relaxation. That afternoon we were paid a visit by the local ranger who informed us that the camp area we were in was part of a National park and camping was not allowed. However given that it was late in the day, he allowed us to stay another night before moving on the next day.  Although the up to date Hema maps did not reveal it, apparently the spot where we were camped had been part of the National Park for over 4 years.  Luckily we had been advised about a camp area called Big Valley which only opened it doors to travellers and they were able to accomodate us for the Easter weekend.