Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree Western Australia, Australia
By Panda1211 on 19-Jun-19. Waypoint GC892KY

At the beginning of my caching career, GreenGecko1 laid out an agenda of caching each capital city. I'm happy to report 6 states down and only one to go.This weekend was our allocated visit time, unfortunately it arrived on the back of the recent Dunedin Mega epic.Arriving in town Thursday night at 11pm, we grabbed our hire car and set off south.I've heard other cachers talk about this cache and never really expected to be here climbing it. The height was almost paralysing. I was all jelly legs getting to the mid platform and glad that this was as far up I needed to go. The decent took longer and with some determination not to faulter. Once back on Terra firma was able to get dusty lips and hugged the soil for 5 minutes in appreciation of its firm feeling.Caches signed as either Muggle65 or M65.

Would have loved to go to the top but am grateful that we got to climb at all. Fabulous Virtual location. Thank you for the fun

After climbing the Gloucester tree 35 years ago we came to climb again only to find that the upper level on both trees is closed. Never mind, 20m will do. All four of us made it to the top of the 20m platform, including the littlest 8yr old. TFTVCI would climb to the top but my dreams outshone my ability

The smallest girl child and the bravest of the Parkin 5 completed this to the platform. 3 others got 10ms up. Mum Parkin cheered on from the ground l. Tftc. Brilliant morning out exploring

So magical!

**SO EXCITED** to hear that Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree is open for climbing once again! You may ( or may not ) be glad to hear that you can only climb to the first platform which is 20m high and log your visit with a Find.The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA is working towards designing and constructing an upper tree canopy experience at the Bicentennial Tree. **Upon completion of the upper canopy, the requirement to log a Find will go back to the original, which is to climb all the way to the top.**Happy and safe climbing, people!

During our two-month trip through New Zealand and Australia, we drive today from Walpole to the RAC Karri Valley Resort near Pemberton.After we checked in to our accommodation we went to do a cache series nearby. Unfortunately, the Bicentennial Tree was closed, but the question was whether we would have dared to go up.**Panda1211**, thanks for the cache.

Passed this tree on a nice walk. This is one impressive tree! Pretty sure we would not have enough courage to make it to the top. The middle deck maybe.

Tree will be closed for a year minimum at this stage.Hopefully the virtual can be adjusted so it doesnt get archived!https://perthisok.com/best-of-wa/gloucester-tree-dave-evans-bicentennial-tree/

Dave Evans Tree virtual cache is unavailable for now as the tree is undergoing maintenance by Park Authorities. The surrounding park is accessible but you will not be able to climb the tree to fulfil logging requirements. Will enable as soon as Park Authorities have completed maintenance.

Sorry folks,
Dave Evans Tree is closed to climbing with effect from 21 July 2023 till further notice. Thank you.

I visited this cache as it was on my "bucket list" of must do's but it was "temporarily closed" when I was there, after contacting the CO they have kindly allowed me log as found, thank you for bringing ne here and

TFTC

Unable to climb as closed

Made it!! That was more difficult than I expected. Left geo-sister at the first platform.

Top level

Yes I read about it and no I had not pictured the immensity of the challenge! WOW - that is something and WOW that is mad. After riding out to THE LOCATION on trusty treadles there was little entertainment to be had staying on terra firma. The sign says 182 rungs to the top. I didn’t count - was keeping an eye on the rungs and my HR for any telltale signs that I should abandon this solo mission. Impeccable trust got me to the top - almost too relieved to feel exhilaration! Took snaps and marvelled at the astonishing view and the fact I’d got there. A FAVE from me for a ’memorable virtual’ although the experience was hardly virtual TFTC and the FUN!

While downloading caches for offline use on the Munda Biddi cycling trail I spotted this one and immediately decided I would have to attempt a climb. As I was cycling with muggles, I thought it would be a bit of a mission to convince them to join me. Turns out, none of them climbed with me, but at least they came to visit. On the first visit we actually came here to have our evening BBQ in the shelter. I opted not to climb in the dusk, partly because I wouldn't have had much of a view, and also because it might have been a bit riskier not being able to see the rungs that well.

The second visit was on the morning we were driving back to Perth. This was the day to log the cache. I already had a bit of practice climbing the Gloucester Tree, though each time it is a bit of a mind game: there isn't really much to stop you from slipping between the rungs except a fierce determination to hold on for dear life. Fortunately, I don't have a fear of heights -- just a healthy respect -- so I was heading up to the first platform in a jiffy. From there it was another strenuous climb right to the top.

Despite a bit of wind, the tree is rock solid. I didn't notice a sway at all. The view is quite breathtaking, as is the ascent which really worked the leg muscles after cycling 430 km of the Munda Biddi Trail in a week. But what a thrilling experience!

Thanks for putting out this virtual cache. I'm really pleased I climbed up here and did something to get the heart racing.

Unreal climb

In fairness to those who have climbed to mid level and above and posted a photo as proof, logs that do not meet requirements will be deleted.
If you climbed 5 rods (or anywhere below the middle deck) please log with WRITE NOTE.
Thank you.

Hi PPyro, maybe you read again the logging requirements

TaurusSix and I have started our Easter holiday a day early, making Thurs our first official Easter holiday day. We are heading to Pemberton and basing ourselves there for four nights while we explore the region and everything it has to offer and of course fitting in as much geocaching as practical along the way, whilst still doing lots of other things too. We love the autumn weather and there is always something special about an Easter get away.

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Day two has been full of adventure after a leisurely start including bird watching from our balcony over the lake, and a good hearty breakfast. We headed first to the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree , one of us had climbed this before many years ago and was keen to do it again, all the more enthused by the fact there was a Virtual Cache to be had. The other one of us is more sensible and decided to be the ground photographer instead. Both parties achieved their mission. Then it was on to the Heartache Trail to pick up the six traditional and one puzzle cache . Along the way here we stopped for plenty of short walks, lookouts and things of interest . This was a fabulous trail and a wonderful way to see the Karri Trees at their best. We then went int Northcliffe to have an explore around that little town and collect some more caches there before heading back to our accommodation and seeing lots of emus and kangaroos along the way which topped the day off nicely.

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This was our first cache find of the day . The tree was very popular today with muggles of all ages and stages gathering there. There were more people not climbing the tree than those who actually climbed, which was an interesting observation. After the climb we sat around for a little while taking in the splendour of the tree and the phenomena. Thanks for the Virtual Cache Panda1211 photo will be posted shortly . It gets a favourite point from us.

Day 31 of our Australia Tour 2023, which we spent in Pemberton. Belly flutters, self-conquest, maximum concentration when climbing up and down, and at the top a huge feeling of happiness. A favourite point is more than appropriate here.

Thanks!

Logging again because the owner deleted it,

Climbed a couple of pegs otherwise too high for me, thanks.

Couple pegs up will do me just fine.

Was pleased I could still log this one at 5 rungs. After recovering from my broken wrist last month I thought climbing to the top might push my luck. Tftv

And here's the photo

Had a fun day playing in the trees. But because there was a geocache at the bicentennial tree I had to climb up to the first platform. The reason I did not go to the top was because my family on the ground were finishing all the wine!! ( NOTE: No drinking occurred before climbing!)
Thank you for this wonderful adventure. This Canadian is enjoying WA to its fullest. Thank you!

Dearest CO.
I FINALLY reached 3000.
As promised, you let me "book mark" this cache as find 3000.
Thankfully I have photos of proof of 2 crazy kids, myself and my husband, reach the top platform.
I wasn't scared. I was exhausted. Because we had about 400 to 500km to cover that day (possibility more) to get home in time.
The view up there is fantastic. You see a sand dune in the distance.
The tree, the platform moves as the wind blows.
But the smell of the forest, distant birds made it worth it.
Parking fee was a pain, but not too bad.
As a milestone in cache, I'm glad this is a virtual. It adds as a different type cache on an important day.

A brilliant cache, so worth it.
Such a beautiful area.

Tftc
FP of course!

I‘m currently doing a little road trip through Western Australia and stopped in Pemberton today. Happy to see that there‘s a Virtual at the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree! Great challenge to climb up this impressive tree and awesome view from above! Perfect place for a cache - loved it!! TFTC! Fav

In the area for a holiday so decided to climb a tree, took a little mind over matter with a few deep breaths, but the reward was well worth it! What a view TFTC!

Climbed the first 5 rungs but Crocs are not ideal climbing shoes so decided to just watch those enjoying ( or not) the climb

I really wanted to climb to the top, but there were so many impatient children going 10 times my pace. What an awesome location. Visited whilst on holiday with Lidds and MissGoosey.

Beautiful place. So many hopes. So many dreams.

Our risk manager wouldn’t let us up all the way, but we had a great time TFTC

I climbed the tree and ate sultanas at the top

TFTC found . The first time we went up, we only went to the 20m platform, but the second time we were able to get enough courage to go to the top. Sorry we forgot to write the date.

The Gloucester Tree was closed for maintenance, but I was determined to climb a tree and so we came here. I've done the Gloucester Tree a couple of times and have loved that "How is this allowed?" side of the experience - some pegs in the side of the tree, a few a bit wobbly, no significant protection, climb as far as you dare. And if you dare, see far into the distance. Thanks Panda1211

When I knew we were heard to SW WA for a week, this cache was instantly high on my agenda. It did not disappoint! Great to get the heart pumping on the way up. I think the climb down was where the adrenaline really kicked in. Too bad the other tree is closed at the moment. Due to the overcast conditions, the views weren't what they could have been, but I'm not complaining!

Truly memorable experience!

Cheers

This was a must do for the geomonkey of the team. We discussed, if he felt uncomfortable at any stage, to retreat and come back down, as a cache is never worth risking your life for.
On arrival, we watched 3 senior citizens coming down, they were in their 60’s and they loved it, so that put the fit Triton’s mind at ease.
So up he went, up and up and up, so quickly we couldn’t see him for dust…well that might be an exaggeration lol
He made it easily without any fear, just don’t look down he said! Selfie taken and then he made the descent which he said was much easier than the ascent.
Thanks Panda1211 for the ultimate adrenaline virtual cache, it’s one he won’t forget for awhile. A favourite point added.

Wanted to go up. But it’s a very rainy day, so not possible to go up all the way. Tried the first steps.

Nope nope nope. Couldn’t even do a lap of the trunk. I think if I didn’t have to climb down again I might. Maybe in the future they will build a big slippery dip to slide down (kidding).

Came yesterday and it was wet, came back today and conquered. I’m still at the top and $#!tting myself…send help

I have a fear or Heights so 5 steps was enough for me. Husband was keen but only had thongs for a wet days climb.

I really wanted to climb all the way up but.... My little legs couldn't keep me going much higher!
Thanks for this great challenge. Favourite point from 2MissK’s.

Fortunately we came to this mighty tree before some serious rain set in, otherwise the climb would have been impossible. We got half way and thought “Why not”. It was not as bad as we thought, the worst bit was the ladders between the platforms, especially platform 2 and 3. It was also very windy. We forgot to write the date on our note with our geocaching name, but we did this climb on 28/05/22. I won’t forget it and it proves just what you will do for a cache.

Three weeks ago I was walking the Bibb Track from Pemberton to Northcliffe. At Gloucester Tree, a 9yo boy and 7yo girl started climbing the tree, I didn't see them go up. Ten minutes later a lady asked if I saw where the kids went - I saw the scooters at the base of the tree, then looked up, they were halfway up the tree. The mum didn't look concerned - strange.

Went to Pemberton for a family trip. Went to DE Bicentennial Tree with my 17yo son and climbed to the top - 8th time for me and this one I can claim a virtual hide. There was a traditional one up here a few years ago now.
Thanks for virtual hide.

There was a 5 year old climbing without her parents (they were down the bottom). It was scary to watch!

Miss 10 gave it a go but realised it was slightly scarier once she was off the ground!

Got about 2/3 of the way to the first stage and bottled it, fair play to those who get up.

Heading from Bunbury to Mt Barker and the weather got progressively cold and rainy in the afternoon. Still managed to find a few caches.

"I really wanted to climb all the way up but.... it had been raining and sign said advised not to attempt in wet weather (well that’s my story!’

Favourite point added

Panda1211, I found Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree today. Thanks for placing and maintaining this cache.

We came, we saw we did not conquer lmfao
One of us got like 4 runs up hahahhaha

I really wanted to climb all the way up but it was a bit rainy and it looked a hell of a lot higher than the Gloucester tree!!

Got to the top with my husband (face blurred) and two friends. Felt the tree swinging in the wind when at the top! Thanks for the cache

Got about this far. I climbed Gloucester Tree when I was 13, these days my knees and fitness levels aren't up to par.

Thanks Panda1211 for placing and maintaining this cache. Out enjoying the southwest again and picked up this one on the way. TFTH

Being the one and only member of my geo team it was up to me ‘miss afraid of heights’ to tackle this one. I got to the middle deck which for me was an achievement in itself. Had to stop halfway my heart was beating so fast. So... I wanted to climb all the way up but I’m a big scaredy cat and the warning sign at mid-deck was all the justification I needed not to continue up to top deck. Favourite point for pushing me out of my comfort zone.
Thanks for the fun I think

Found this while doing trip around the south west part of WA. After doing the Glousester Tree the day before this one, we had to see this, and after ignoring the health signs made it to the top, what a wonderfull view from up here and the tree had a nice gentle sway as well so needed to stay a bit longer for the swaying to stop. **Thanks for this Vertual Cache Panda1211** deserving a FP, (sorry i'm only allowed one)

Out and about with richlink. The boys went up the tree, one of us watched from below ant the other was on dog watching duties so missed all the fun. Great cache, thank a fave from us.

After setting up in the caravan park we headed off with iluvtrekking to do this climb. Pretty daunting for geo-hubby who is deaf in one ear and has a fear of heights - but he did it for the smiley! Thanks Panda1211

These 2 made it to the first lookout
I made it 5 steps
Thank you our daughters friend really pushed herself to achieve this as was going to stop but kept going
So proud
On a rainy day with thunder

My personal favourite saying is: A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit.
Virtual caches are one of my/our favourite cache types so that paired with a Big Tree and a task that we as Victorian’s wouldn’t be allowed to do on home soil this was a must do.

Geo dad is my main man when it comes to tree climbing caches, as I have an irrational fear of heights although in this case I think that irrational fear would be very valid!

Upon arriving Geo son and daughter were both very excited… I instantly said “no… you are not going all the way!”
My God it was tall!!!!
Geo son said “fine I’m coming back without you when I’m older!”

So did we meet the logging requirements?

Geo mum, she did 10 bars and backed out…


Geo dad, went to the first platform easily, he’s a builder and is used to walking around on triple story plates. He intended on going higher but the wind picked right up and he says the tree sways ‘quiet a bit’…..

Geo son has previously been taken away from school in an Ambulance after falling from a tree and impaling his leg on the way down and can often be clumsy so I didn’t allow him to climb all the way.
Geo daughter is like a monkey and I have no doubt she could make it to the top but even geo Dad said there was too much wind, she settle for doing backflips on the bars instead

Geo mum "I really wanted to climb all the way up but....I was scared S#€¥less and cried like a baby…”
Geo son "I really wanted to climb all the way up but….Mum is a meanie and wouldn’t let me!”

Geo daughter "I really wanted to climb all the way up but…..Mum was worried about loosing her favourite child in a tree climbing accident!”

Geo Dad "I really wanted to climb all the way up but….the wind was really strong and everyone knows I’m tough… I don’t need to prove anything!”
TFTC
We owe it a fav (currently out of them)

I could have gone the whole way but mum wouldnt let me!

This is a great virtual, enjoyed the. Limb despite the slippery railings and some wind about. A fantastic location and views over the top of the trees.

Add favourite point.

A bit wet today so Mr fratra only made it to the middle platform.

TFTC Panda1211 this is find #11724 for us.

We aren't that good at selfies. So it was either our faces or the tree tops. Anyway, Lee was concerned that I would be the third person to have a heart attack climbing it Bonus to find out that this tree is higher than Gloucester tree which we climbed when we were 30 years younger

Yeah nah. 5 max.

Anything else may be removed...

Note:
*A person of average fitness can do the climb if you summon up your courage.
*Do not carry a bag but have your mobile or camera secured
*There are no safety harnesses or net.
*Till date, there have not been any accidents, but apparently two people had heart attacks.
*If in doubt, do not climb.

Awesome tree.

Worth the trip.
I got a bit shaky going up but wow

Tftc 7ftd

Day 7 of our holidays down south, whilst our plans for the day didn’t quite go to plan, we stopped here on our way back to camp We have been here previously, however at that time there was no cache here! Today was a different story & somehow it ended up being my job to make the climb

We had our picnic lunch here first & after watching a lady climb the tree with her newborn baby (although that is something I do not think is a very smart idea), I knew I could do it After a couple of circuits of rounding the tree I was at the middle level but that was where I stopped! The sign advising of high winds was enough to stop me in my tracks as I watched the tree blow above me

Thanks for an interesting virtual panda1211 [^]

Having a great time down south.
We have climbed this tree on previous occasions.
It felt like déjàvu when arriving at gz, as we have logged the previous traditional cache that was up the top.
We had great views when we got up there this time.
Didn’t want to risk taking the phone up, here is a photo of me on the way up.
Thanks for this wonderful Virtual Cache
TFTVC

The young geocache climbed the first 10!

We are taking some time off over the Christmas holidays to travel around the South Coast of WA starting at Esperance and heading west.
I couldn't go past Pemberton without grabbing this virtual . I have been up the tree before but it seems to get scarier each time I do it. I think they are putting those rungs further apart.
I made it to the top deck and it was a little windy up there great views though well worth the climb
This was find number 11 for the day.
TFTC orrsom

What a great morning! On a road trip with the sister and thought she would chicken out but we made it to the top!
Amazing views. Great location for a virtual Cache. A favourite for sure

Didn’t want to take the phone up but still got a photo cool idea



TFTC

One of the members (J) of Bjp? climbed to the top of the tree. Cool idea for a virtual and our first of the type. Tftc

Staying in Pemberton and we are exploring the area. I have had my eye on this cache and climb for a little while, so after explore around town and time to convince the half muggle we headed out to Dave’s Bicentennial tree. Geoson was keen to give it a go after visiting the glouster tree. So off we trotted with the half muggle watching on nervously. There were a few muggles here today only managing the first 10steps before retreating.
Mr 7 had no such fear and scaled to the half way point with no such fear or issue. Unfortunately although we both wanted to climb to climb all the way up we had to stop due to the agreement we had with the eve fearing scared of heights half muggle. So we took in the scenery and took our photos and made a promise that next year we will return without the half muggle and climb this tree to the top. Thanks for the great adventure the geo son loved it and is counting down to our next visit.

Good climb. Second climb for the day after seeing sunrise at Gloucester Tree.

My third timing climbing the tree in recent years!

With phone in pocket I climbed Dave's Tree and as I sit on the top platform admiring the smokey view (yes there was a fire somewhere), I'm pondering how I'm going to get down . For now I rest. Quick climb up. No doubt a slow climb down. Found and climbed this virtual cache with Panda Dundee. TFTC

Minergal guilted (she prefers the word encouraged - i dont agree) to climb to at least the halfway point of Dave's Tree. Once I hit half way I pondered tackling the next section as she scurried on up ahead!

I knew she wouldnt let me live it down if i didnt carry on. I mean I pretty Mr Evans climbed this on his 96th birthday didnt he, i think! Why cant i?

Off I went, one peg at a time! Currenrly sitting on the top pondering my climb down!

Found with Minergal TFTC

Great climb, have not climbed this since I was a young fella

Braved the breeze and made it to the top

What a buzz, an awesome spot and challenge. Fantastic views on this clear day. Thanks for the cache

Geodaughter decided to climb to the first landing.

She wants me to write "I didn't climb to the top of the tree because I am only 11 and was climbing it by myself because my parents were to cowardly (they said sensible)"

Tftc

I came but I did not conquer. There was not a soul around and I was here by myself. And, as I'm no spring chicken, thought the dangers were too great. Got up to about the 20 rung and decided nah! Thanks for the virtual though. I'll be back one day with reinforcements.

We climbed this tree 11 years ago on one of our first holidays together. We came back on a chilly winter morning with the 3 geokids for a trip down memory lane, but unfortunately they are all a bit too young to climb. Next time for sure!

The weather so beautiful with blue sky - no cloud , perfect for geocaching day..
My Son in Law Chris climbed instead of me [^]
Thanks Panda1211 [^]

Fav from Chris as enjoyed his day

To everyone who came and tried: I thank you! Hope all geocachers had fun, did whatever you could. Happy to read all your logs. Stay safe in every way! Pat on the back!

I teally wanted to go to the top but i have a nurostimulator implanted in my lower spine and spinal fusion in my neck ,plus one look at my hubby and i knew i wasnt going to be allowed any further thanks falcon351 so half way it had to be.

Hoping you’ll accept this as a find.
I started climbing but the pegs were very wet and slippery so I decided not to risk it.

Tftc found whilst out exploring our own background. Only went half way due to having a heart attack 2 years ago

Like a bird I’m on the top of tree ! It was amazing, little bit dangerous but whaouuuu !!! Very nice idea to do a ghost here.
Tftc !

This virtual was "found" during our weekend away in Pemberton. Mr Luna Maya climbed it for me - only half way as he said that "beer o'clock " was soon. Will add his photo. SL TFTC Panda1211

Came here with The-Shredder today.

I really wanted to climb all the way up but we have been there already 10 times and it was just too crowded today.

But thanks for this new virtual here.
TFTC Skyryser

Great views from up there.

I really wanted to climb all the way up but we have been there already 10 times and it was just too crowded today.

But thanks for this new virtual here.
TFTC The-Shredder

We drove to that tree, than I went up to the middle deck and waited for my partner. Then I saw, that he had returned. So I went down again and asked why. He said that the first steps are too narrow for his knees. He showed me the problem, but after some steps the distance changed, and he went up to the top. As there were a lot of flies at the ground I went up again for the middle deck and there I met my partner on his way down.
TFTC

A day in the forest. We saw many awesome trees today and found some very nice caches. Classic geocaching, really big boxes and even ammo cans behind trees, under a log... back to the roots.

This was the cache we were looking forward to (and also apprehending in Mrs Bear's case). The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree loomed high in front of us and we saw a little ghost jumping up and down and waving in the lookout.
Up we went.
We really wanted to go all the way up, but just when we were about to leave the middle deck, an official looking guy came down from above and said: "The highest deck is not open for people over fifty today." Mr Bear was a bit disappointed (and Mrs Bear a bit relieved), nevertheless it was a great experience and we loved it (even Mrs Bear).

TFTC Panda1211. A favourite point for the ghost in the tree.