DIAMOND TREE @ MANJIMUP, WA

July 25, 2018

DIAMOND TREE @ MANJIMUP, WA

Diamond Tree? What first came to your mind? Diamond for real? Hehe…………

At least that’s what been playing trick in my mind, no thanks to its catchy name (= Guessing from my less prepared gesture, you’re right about this- this destination wasn’t in my plan in the first place, but was indeed on an ad hoc basis after heeding the suggestion from newly befriended acquaintance who hailed form US where our camaraderie was casually fostered over a night stay at YHA Pemberton the night before- yea, that’s the night whereby my tummy when berserk for the very first time, puking several times all the way from Denmark, lol, jeez!

To avoid the tummy from getting upset by any chance, we hopped over quickly to Crossings Bakery to grab some nosh just to get it filled up. You surely do not want the stomach to gnaw again, knowing you would like to do some climbing in another 1 hours’ time before continuing the rest of the journey to Augusta thereafter. So it’s better to play safe than to be sorry I guess, hehe.

Do take note that you would need to climb up about 52 metres above the ground in order to reach Diamond Tree Look Out for that picturesque view! Make sure you’re ready for it as it’s not advisable to make a sudden turning back when you’re halfway up- cause there’s only 1-way trail, meaning you might be trapped in between other climbers- potential human congestion hanging up in the middle of nowhere in the air in case you decide to give it a quit suddenly, haha :D

So the question is- am I joining?

Sense of hesitation? :D

^_^

Since I did not get to do bungee jumping nor free fall, I thought to myself why not? Perhaps, I really love the adrenalin rush when you’re so much far up in the air! Of course, it’s never been a good idea for WP whenever the topic of height comes into the pictur. Hence, WP has no choice but to stay “grounded”, helping us to snap some photos, haha!

The space of the stairs was rather small- only limited on the pegs and parts of the climb which are near vertical. So please wear sturdy footwear and do not carry any backpacks while climbing for safety reasons. Apart from that, only a maximum of 9 people are allowed to be on the top platform at any one time.

Brief Info on Diamond Tree

In 1939, the search was on to find a suitable karri tree south of Manjimup to be used as a fire lookout tree. This tree, which became known as the Diamond Tree, was pegged in 1940 and a cabin built at the top. It was from this cabin that the tower person scanned the surrounding landscape looking for signs of smoke. Early detection of bushfires made them much easier to control.

It is now only occasionally used as a backup to the Parks and Wildlife Service’s fire surveillance system.

The Gloucester Tree has 153 pegs.

The Diamond Tree has 130 Pegs.

The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree has 165 pegs.

The Diamond Tree is open as a tourist attraction and brave visitors can climb the 49 metres to the lookout cabin. Be aware that parts of the climb are near vertical. Do not climb it if you are unfit, have a heart condition or fear heights.

The Diamond Tree between Manjimup and Pemberton is also a 15 minute drive from either town, on the Southwest Highway. The Diamond Tree is a 51m Karri tree on which a wooden cabin was built and used as a fire lookout tower from 1941 to 1974. It is the only wooden tree top tower in the world.

What’s awaiting you after climbing 52 metres high lookout tower is the breathtaking panoramic views over the lush green forest. And more picture-snapping and wefies that we ought not to miss!