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Walkers scramble carefully over scree and rocks on the track to the the summit of Frenchmans Cap
The track to the the summit of Frenchmans Cap (photograph: Francois Fourie)

Frenchmans Cap

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Fuel stove only
  • Huts
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking

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3 - 5 days return, 54km return
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
The track is for self-sufficient, well-equipped and experienced walkers. Weather conditions can change very quickly.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings:

You need to register for this walk.​​

Register now ​

The trackhead is a carpark 29km west of the Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway.

About

​​At 1,4​46 metres in height, the striking white quartzite peak of Frenchmans Cap rises from exceptionally beautiful rainforest-clad ranges and mountain lakes. It is a mecca for both bushwalkers and rock climbers – and it won’t disappoint. 

From its glorious summit, expansive views encompass Macquarie Harbour to the west; the vast Southwest wilderness to the south; and to the north, the many peaks of the Overland Track. Surrounding this magnificence, the life-giving waters of the powerful Franklin River carve a sinuous passage to the Southern Ocean. 

Most walkers allow 4-5 days to experience this extraordinary landscape. Weather can change rapidly

Your journey to the Cap includes a wonderfully varied mix of landscapes – golden-hued buttongrass moorlands, fragrant Eucalypt forests with colourful heath understorey, moss-strewn ancient rainforests, and the delicate yet resilient wonders of the alpine flora. This land is home to the usual array of Tasmania’s wildlife: wallabies, pademelons, wombats, possums, devils, snakes, skinks, quolls, platypus, echidna and abundant birdlife.

The track includes jagged rocks, twisted tree roots, formed gravel and boardwalk. There are some steep sections with timber ladders. 

  • Frenchmans Cap - walk notes
    Located in the franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Frenchmans Cap a rewarding and challenging experience for experienced walkers.
Frenchmans Cap map Buy a map from TasMap

The start and end of The Frenchmans Cap walk is a carpark 29km west of Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway, 3 hours from Hobart. It is a similar distance from Launceston via Longford and Poatina on the A5 Lakes Highway. The Lyell Highway may occasionally be closed by snow in winter. 

There is presently no bus service along the Lyell Highway between Strahan and Hobart. 

All walkers should purchase and carry the TASMAP 1:50,000 Frenchmans Cap Walk Map and Notes.

Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

​​There are two huts: Vera Hut (at Lake Vera; sleeps 20) and Tahune Hut (at Lake Tahune; sleeps 24), and numerous tent platforms at each of these locations. In the event a hut is full, and in the case of an emergency occurring between huts (injury, severe weather), you must carry a tent for shelter. ​

Each hut/camping node (Vera and Tahune) has a rainwater tank and toilet. There are no mattresses or cooking facilities.

​​​​This is a Fuel Stove Only Area. Fires are prohibited. Please see our Fuel Stove Only Areas webpage ​for more information.​​

There are no permanent rangers present on the track, however during summer a track ranger is stationed at one of the two hut​s. ​

​Do not feed wildlife - stow your food

​Please be aware that wildlife can damage tents if your food is not stowed well. Do not feed wildlife, it turns them into pests and can make them very sick.

There is an on-going problem with brush-tail possums ripping tents and backpacks to access food at these campsites. Possums are omnivores and opportunists. Despite our food not being good for them, they will happily eat most food that we eat. They have become very efficient at opening pack and tent zips, or just ripping a hole in a tent to access the food. 

To help protect your camping gear from damage:

  • Ensure all food is stored in sealed bags (preferably double bagged).
  • Store all food rubbish in sealed bags.
  • Place all sealed bags inside your backpack, and keep your backpack inside your tent.
  • Do not keep food in the pockets of your tent or your backpack.
  • Prepare and eat food away from your tent site.

Do not underestimate the brush-tail possum.  Do not feed them! 

​

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.


Multi-day walks - safety message​​​​

Multi-day walks are a wonderful way to experience the wilder side of Tasmania, but it is essential that you are adequately equipped before embarking on an overnight adventure. In addition to the items listed for day walks you will need at a minimum: a large waterproof backpack and pack liner, tent (3-4 season rated with inner and outer layer), sleeping bag (rated to at least 0°C for coastal areas and -10°C for alpine areas), sleeping mat, hiking boots, gaiters, fuel stove and fuel, high-energy food, quick-dry walking clothes, toilet trowel, antibacterial gel, PLB (personal locator beacon), map and compass.

For all safety information and a full list of recommended items for all walks, please refer to Safety in parks.

​​​​​Walker safety - alpine walks ​​​​​​ (such as Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Walls of Jerusalem, Southwest)

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. 

When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric​​, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).

Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions. 

Watch the hypothermia safety video with English subtitles to understand the dangers of being cold and how to be prepared. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles.)

Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.

For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.​​​​​


​Remember the safe walking guidelines

  • ​Plan to walk safely
  • Be prepared
  • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
  • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
  • Be prepared to turn back