Frenchmans Cap

  2 days to 4 days

44.2 km
Return

Climb : 3215m
Descent : 3215m

Very challenging


Starting from the Frenchmans Cap Carpark on the Lyell Highway, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, this walk leads to the summit of Frenchmans Cap and back via the Frenchmans Cap Track. This strenuous hike takes you to one of the most remarkable mountain peaks in South-West Tasmania. From the top, the view is nothing short of incredible, with Tasmania’s rugged Wilderness World Heritage Area stretching as far as you can see. The journey to the summit includes a wonderfully varied mix of landscapes – golden-hued button grass moorlands, fragrant Eucalypt forests, moss-strewn rainforests, and the resilient wonders of the alpine flora. There are two huts, Lake Vera Hut and Lake Tahune Hut, along the track as well as several designated campsites. Climbing the summit requires some rock scrambling, and this final ascent should only be attempted if the weather is clear enough. The weather at Frenchmans Cap is highly unpredictable, and the trail will be wet, muddy and demandingly steep at times.
Turn map Directions & comments
x
(0 km) At the intersection of Lyell Highway & Frenchmans Cap Track Start heading along Frenchmans Cap Track (a walking track).
(0 km) After 25 m to find the "Frenchmans Cap Carpark".
(0.1 km) After another 80 m pass the helipad (on your right).
(0.6 km) After another 480 m come to the camp site (6 m on your right).
(0.4 km) Then cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
(6.5 km) After another 6.1 km cross the bridge (about 35 m long)
(6.5 km) Then come to the camp site (15 m on your left).
(6.6 km) After another 100 m come to the camp site (20 m on your right).
(15.1 km) After another 8.5 km pass the toilet (5 m on your right).
(15.2 km) After another 75 m come to the camp site (30 m on your right).
x
(15.1 km) From the Frenchmans Cap Track continue straight, to head along Frenchmans Cap Track.
(15.2 km) After another 10 m come to the "Vera Hut" (6 m on your right).
(15.2 km) Then pass the helipad (50 m on your right).
(15.3 km) After another 185 m come to the camp site (20 m on your left).
x
(18 km) After another 2.7 km (from the Frenchmans Cap Track) continue straight, to head along Frenchmans Cap Track.
(20.5 km) After another 2.5 km come to the camp site (25 m on your right).
(20.5 km) Then pass the helipad (50 m on your right).
x
(20.5 km) From the Frenchmans Cap Track continue straight, to head along Frenchmans Cap Track.
x
(20.5 km) After another 5 m (from the Frenchmans Cap Track) turn right, to head along Frenchmans Cap Track.
(20.6 km) After another 35 m come to the "Tahune Hut" (10 m on your right).
x
(21.4 km) After another 870 m (at the intersection of Irenabyss Track & Frenchmans Cap Track) turn left, to head along Frenchmans Cap Track.
x
(22.1 km) Continue another 650 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 22.1 km to get back to the start.
(22.1 km) "Frenchmans Cap".


AS 2156.1-2001 - Walking tracks Classification

This walk has significant sections where there is no clear track or signage, you require a very high-level self-sufficiency, navigation and bushwalking experience.
Length 44.2 km
Time 2 days to 4 days




Class 5/6



Very challenging 		Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Forecasted & unexpected severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)

Getting to the start

From Brooker Highway, 1GPS coordinates for the start: -42.2085187,145.9809506

Weather Details

Icons and descriptions Photos Table