Frenchmans Cap : Franklin River : Lake St. Clair National Park : Gordon RIver
Welcome to Bushwalk Tasmania
A Comprehensive Guide to Bushwalking in Tasmania
Frenchmans
Cap Bushwalk Gordon Franklin Wild Rivers
Bushwalk Description
Frenchmans Cap is a well-known mountain in the Franklin Gordon
Wild Rivers National Park, West Tasmania, Australia. It lies
east of the West Coast Range, and south-west of the Cradle
Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.
The Frenchmans Cap bushwalk track is generally considered harder
than many other Tasmanianbushwalks, including the Overland
Track, so it is recommended for only experienced walkers.
The track is rough and muddy over extended sections, especially
across the Loddon Plains. To do the summit
climb you must have good weather and not have issues with heights
or harsh weather conditions. Most walkers spend between 3 and
5 days completing the return trip, a distance of app. 25 kilometres
each way. You may want to allow extra time to wait at Tahune
in case the summit is covered by cloud, especially given that
the views from the summit are a highlight of the trip. It is
also recommended to allow extra time for adverse weather.
You are required to pay a fee to enter the national
park. Updated information on park entry fees can be obtained
from the Tasmanian
Parks and Wildlife Website. You are required to pay a fee
to enter the National Park. The most convenient pass for this
walk is the Backpacker Pass, which is valid for all
National Parks for a period of two months. It is available from
all park centres, Travel and Visitor Information centres and
some retail outlets. Bookings
are not required to do the Frenchmans Cap Track; no other permits
are required. For your safety it is recommended to record your
trip intentions in the registration book at the Franklin River
near the start of the walk and also in the logbook located at
each hut.
There are two unattended huts along the track which have bunks
but no cooking stoves or utensils. The Lake Vera hut accommodates
20 people; Lake Tahune 16 people.
It is preferable to use the huts whenever possible in order
to reduceimpact on vegetation around campsites. However always
carry a tent as the huts may be full when you arrive.
Carrying a tent will also allow you to stop due
to adverse weather, injury or tiredness.
Recommended camping locations are: Camping
Franklin River;
a number of sites can be found just before crossing the river;
Loddon River; Philps Creek Lake Vera - a number of
suitable sites are located along the track a short distance after
crossing the bridge near the hut; and Lake Tahune.
The months of December-April have long daylight hours and warmer
average temperatures in Tasmania. However, anyone bushwalking
in Tasmania should be aware that rapidly changing
weather conditions can occur at any time of the year. These can
include very strong winds, sleet, snow, ice, heavy rain
and blazing sun. All of these varied conditions can be experienced
within the same day.
Frenchmans Cap track is an extremely difficult and challenging
walk in a region of Tasmania exposed to harsh and changeable
weather conditions at any time of the year. Access to the summit
is exposed and should not be attempted during periods of bad
weather. This walk should only be attempted by experienced bushwalkers
who ar fully equipped for all weather conditions.
The information provided on this site is intended to be used as a guide only, and is not intended to be an authoratative source of information. Always be well prepared when bushwalking in Tasmania