Nature’s Majesty and Human Legacy

The towering Karri tree (Eucalyptus diversicolor) is an emblem of the Southern Forests, a landscape that captivates nature lovers, photographers, and scientists alike. Standing among the tallest hardwoods in the world, reaching up to 90 metres, these magnificent trees form dense, cathedral-like forests that transform with each season. Figures like Per Christensen and Roger Underwood, amongst others, have documented the ecological and cultural significance of Karri forests, helping us appreciate their roles in both biodiversity and human history.

A Landscape Shaped by Nature and Nurtured by Tradition

The Karri forests offer a unique visual experience. The tree’s smooth, pale bark sheds annually, revealing a striking display of creams, pinks, and silvery greys. These forests are dynamic ecosystems, changing from the soft greens of new growth to vibrant earthy hues in the understorey, creating an immersive experience that feels almost ethereal. Conservationist Roger Underwood has emphasized how this shedding process contributes to “Karri loam,” a nutrient-rich soil that supports a dense layer of ferns, mosses, and other flora, all vital for sustaining the region’s unique biodiversity. Underwood also highlights the Karri tree’s natural resilience, which has allowed it to endure centuries of environmental changes, fires, and human activities.*

The Ecology of Karri: A Haven for Biodiversity

Karri forests are not just beautiful; they are essential to the ecological health of the region. The trees’ high canopies provide habitats for diverse wildlife, including species like the purple crested lorikeet, red-eared firetail and western bristlebird, while ground-level plants thrive in the shade, creating a lush forest floor. Karri trees also stabilize soil on sloped landscapes, preventing erosion and maintaining water quality. This ecosystem is complex and layered, with old-growth trees coexisting alongside younger saplings, each species vying for sunlight in a natural competition that fosters biodiversity and resilience.*

Old-Growth and Regrowth Forests: A Tale of Two Landscapes

In Pemberton, the distinction between old-growth and regrowth forests reflects different forest management eras. Old-growth Karri forests showcase trees of varying ages and sizes, with intricate understoreys and habitats that have evolved naturally over centuries. These ancient forests are biodiverse but “messy” by design, providing an unfiltered look into nature’s balance of growth and decay.

In contrast, the Boranup Forest near Margaret River is known for its visually striking regrowth Karri trees, planted in evenly spaced rows after early logging, creating a unique sense of symmetry that photographers and visitors love. Pemberton’s forests present a rich tapestry of both secluded regrowth areas and ancient old-growth sections.

Visitors to our Southern Forests can find similar, less-trafficked regrowth forests with the same impressive structure, along with more “wild” landscapes where trees grow at varying ages and distances. This mix gives Pemberton’s forests a distinct character—inviting people to discover quieter trails and more natural Karri landscapes, where ancient trees tower above and understorey plants thrive in an untouched forest ecosystem.

For those seeking a genuine connection with Western Australia’s forests, Pemberton offers the best of both worlds, from the enchanting symmetry of regrowth areas to the unfiltered beauty of old-growth Karri trees, each providing a unique experience of the Southern Forests.

Cultural Significance and Conservation Efforts

For thousands of years, the Karri forests have held cultural importance for the Noongar people, the Traditional Custodians of this land. The forests served as places for gathering, storytelling, and spiritual connection. Later, Karri wood became essential to the early timber industry, prized for its strength and rich red colour, used in everything from railway sleepers to construction. Roger Underwood and other conservationists have pointed out that, as appreciation for these forests’ beauty and ecological value grew, so did efforts to protect and manage them sustainably.*

Fire towers and climbing trees

The towering Karri trees have played an essential role as natural fire towers in Pemberton’s history. With their extraordinary height, some reaching up to 90 metres, Karri trees have long been used as vantage points for detecting bushfires across the landscape. In the mid-20th century, several Karri trees in the southwest were adapted for this purpose, becoming part of a network of lookout towers to monitor fire activity. The most famous examples include the Gloucester Tree and Diamond Tree Tree, which were fitted with climbing pegs and platforms, allowing forest rangers to climb to the canopy for a clear view of the surrounding forests.

These “fire towers” were integral in an era before aerial surveillance, enabling early detection of smoke and fires, which was crucial for protecting the vast forests and communities. Visitors today can climb the replica Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, experiencing the unique perspective once used to guard this treasured landscape.

Experience the Majesty of the Karri Forests Today

Modern visitors can explore these forests through many trails like the Warren River Loop or guided tours. Transport is available for hikers to access parts of the Bibbulmun Track and experience the Karri forests firsthand. These experiences, whether in a structured regrowth forest or untamed old-growth woodland, connect people to nature’s grandeur and the long-standing legacy of these trees.

The Karri forests are a living testament to the richness of Western Australia’s natural heritage. From their role in sustaining local ecosystems to their spiritual and cultural significance, the towering Karri trees offer an unparalleled glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the natural world. With every step through these forests, visitors are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains them and the importance of preserving this legacy for future generations.

Climate Change and the Future of Pemberton’s Forests

Pemberton’s ancient Karri forests face a range of challenges from climate change, with scientists predicting warmer temperatures and a decline in rainfall across the southwest of Western Australia. These shifts could reduce the natural water availability essential for the growth of Karri trees, which thrive in moist, temperate environments. With less rainfall, stress on these trees may increase, potentially affecting their resilience and altering the understorey biodiversity. Reduced soil moisture and more frequent heatwaves may lead to higher risks of forest fires, threatening both old-growth and regrowth forests and putting unique wildlife habitats at greater risk. Conservationists and researchers are working to understand and mitigate these impacts, but the potential for significant change underscores the importance of preserving and protecting these iconic landscapes for future generations.*

Christensen, Per. “Karri Forest Ecosystems.” Various publications.*Underwood, Roger. “Forests of Western Australia.”*“Climate Change Impacts on the South West.” Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.*

References: *Christensen, Per. “Karri Forest Ecosystems.” Various publications. *Underwood, Roger. “Forests of Western Australia.”