The best cycling routes in Collins State Forest
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Touring cycling in Collins State Forest, located near Pemberton in Western Australia, offers routes through majestic Karri forests and tall timber landscapes. The region is characterized by its dense woodlands and the presence of the Warren River, providing varied scenery for cyclists. Terrain can range from mostly paved surfaces to unpaved segments, with elevations suitable for different fitness levels.
Best touring cycling routes in Collins State Forest
- The most popular touring cycling route is Pemberton loop from Pemberton, a…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
10
riders
7.93km
00:46
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
30.6km
02:46
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
riders
96.0km
08:32
1,060m
1,060m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Collins State Forest
Tips from the Community
A town not far from Pemberton, it's a great place to stop and visit the lovely Visitor Center. Stop for an excellent cappuccino at the café on the corner of Leitch LA.
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A town offering good services, restaurants, and a general store. PLEASE NOTE: The Pemberton Backpackers Hostel is currently permanently closed. Camping or hotel accommodations are available.
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Closed for repair as of May 2025. Check this link for status if you want to climb it (you can still view it while closed though) https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/gloucester-tree
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The Gloucester Tree was originally one of 8 fire lookout trees built in the south west. Foresters would climb these trees to the lookouts at the top to scan the area for signs of fires. Until 2023, it was possible to climb the tree but was currently closed as the platforms are being upgraded.
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The Gloucester Tree in Gloucester National Park is just 2 km from Pemberton. The Gloucester Tree was chosen as a fire lookout point in 1947 and is part of a network of lookout points built in the Karri Forest between 1937 and 1952. The Gloucester Tree was named after the then Governor-General of Australia, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, who was visiting Pemberton while the lookout point was being built. Today, visitors can climb the 53 m high mountain to enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Karri Forest. I couldn't indulge in the "pleasure" myself because of my fear of heights, but I documented my wife's climb - chapeau!
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At 72 metres in height, the Gloucester Tree is the world’s tallest fire-lookout tree. This beautiful old karri tree can be climbed! Although the metal step pegs don't have a safety rail, surprisingly no-one has been hurt from a fall (although some people have had heart incidents trying to climb). When I was 14 this was a breeze to climb, but I'm not sure I could do it now! Absolutely worth a visit. About 10 metres off the Munda Biddi trail.
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The Gloucester Tree is only for the very daring. 153 iron bars twist up around the huge tree. The tree was created as a lookout for the fire station. With a height of 72 meters, it is the world's tallest tree for fire observation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Collins State Forest?
The routes in Collins State Forest offer a mix of terrain. You'll find paths with mostly paved surfaces, as well as unpaved segments that can be more challenging. The landscape is dominated by majestic Karri forests and diverse timber areas, with some serene river sections.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Collins State Forest?
Yes, there are options suitable for families. For an easy introduction to the forest's natural surroundings, consider the Pemberton loop from Pemberton. This route is 4.5 miles (7.3 km) long and takes about 30 minutes to complete, making it a gentle ride for various fitness levels.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features I can see while cycling in Collins State Forest?
Collins State Forest is renowned for its majestic Karri forests. A prominent landmark is the Gloucester Tree, an iconic fire lookout tree. The Pemberton – Gloucester Tree Lookout loop from Pemberton is a moderate 19.0 miles (30.6 km) route that specifically leads towards this iconic lookout. You'll also encounter the serene Warren River and areas like Big Brook State Forest and Big Brook Dam.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. The Pemberton loop from Pemberton is an easy 4.5-mile (7.3 km) option. For a longer, moderate ride, the Pemberton – Gloucester Tree Lookout loop from Pemberton covers 19.0 miles (30.6 km). There's also the more challenging Northcliffe loop from Northcliffe, which is 57.8 miles (93.1 km) long.
What is the overall difficulty level of touring cycling in Collins State Forest?
Collins State Forest offers a range of difficulties. There is 1 easy route, 1 moderate route, and 3 difficult routes. This means you can find options from gentle rides suitable for beginners to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain for experienced cyclists.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Collins State Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. Cyclists often praise the towering Karri forests, serene river sections, and diverse timber landscapes that define the routes.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Collins State Forest?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided, the region's climate generally makes spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities, offering milder temperatures. Summer can be hot, and winter might bring more rain, impacting trail conditions.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Northcliffe loop from Northcliffe is a difficult 57.8 miles (93.1 km) trail that typically takes about 7 hours 30 minutes to complete. Another difficult option is the Gloucester Tree Lookout – Pemberton loop from Pemberton, spanning 53.7 miles (86.5 km).
How many touring cycling routes are available in Collins State Forest?
There are 5 touring cycling routes currently available in Collins State Forest, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the region's natural beauty.
Are there any specific routes that feature significant elevation changes?
Yes, some routes in Collins State Forest feature significant elevation gain. For example, the Gloucester Tree Lookout – Pemberton loop from Pemberton has an elevation gain of approximately 690 meters, and the Northcliffe loop from Northcliffe involves over 1000 meters of ascent, making them suitable for cyclists looking for a workout.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while cycling in Collins State Forest?
Collins State Forest, being a dense woodland area, is home to various native Australian wildlife. While specific sightings can vary, you might encounter local bird species, kangaroos, wallabies, and other forest creatures. Maintaining a respectful distance and observing from afar is always recommended.
Most popular routes in Collins State Forest
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