A popular South West tree climb has been closed, amid safety concerns.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife announced today the Diamond Tree, near Manjimup had been closed “in the interest of public safety”.

A picture posed to Facebook showed a worker removing metal foot pegs from the tree, which was first pegged 79 years ago.

“We would like advise that the South West’s beloved Diamond Tree is no longer open for climbing,” the Department said.

“A recent routine inspection showed Diamond Tree was no longer structurally sound for climbing.”

The news has upset many West Australians, some of whom will have hoped to use the school holidays to visit the popular attraction.

“Bloody red tape,” wrote one Facebook user.

“Oh. Have climbed the tree a few times but now no more,” wrote another.

But others were more understanding, and declared its closure “the end of an era”.

“That's a bit sad! (But I'd rather climb knowing the trees are safe!),” wrote one internet user.

Those who climbed the Karri tree were treated to stunning views from a platform, 49 metres up the tree.

According to the DPAW website, a cabin at the top of the tree was once used for scanning the landscape for signs of bushfire.

“It is now only occasionally used as a backup to the Parks and Wildlife Service’s fire surveillance system,” the Department’s website says.

The Gloucester and Bicentennial Trees remain open to the public.