Pemberton and the Karri Trees

Travelling up to Pemberton we saw the devastating effect of the recent fires around Margaret River. All of a sudden the tall lush green trees became stark black with their now orange leaves somehow still clinging to the branches.

Around Pemberton we experienced the awesomeness of the gigantic Karri Trees (one of the tallest trees in the world) by climbing the famous 72m high Glouster tree on crazily constructed metal bars that had been pegged into the tree. Initially constructed as a fire lookout spot it is now a dare devils delight.

In this day and age of cotton-gloved kids playgrounds and public liability insurance we were taken aback by the absence of any form of safety net apart from the small warning sign at the base of the tree “Not recommended for people suffering vertigo or children”. After the initial shock, hats off to the WA government for allowing people to take responsibility for their own safety. Even for someone who is not scared of heights, I must admit that the climb was pretty nerve-racking.

But the view at the top, above the tree tops – spectacular!

We loved the national parks around Pemberton and soaked up the cooler air and green everywhere after being so long in the desert region up north.

One one of our day trips into the park we stumbled upon these pair. At first we were not sure who was more surprised. A staring competition ensued. They took a while to work out whether to fight or flight. In the end, a car came up behind us and we had to move forward, albeit very slowly. They yelped and scrambled back into the bush.

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