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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

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Alerts for Frenchmans Cap

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Planned burn: The Pleiades - Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Applies from 12/9/2026

​Weather permitting, we will be conducting a planned burn at The Pleiades ​- Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) on 12 September 2026 .

Fire is an important part of sustaining the ecology of and protecting values in the TWWHA. 

The total area of the burns is approximately 4654 hectares . It is likely to take 2 - 4 days to complete. Smoke may last for some days after the burn.

During burning operations access to this area will be restricted. Stay well out of the burn site. Please follow directions from staff or any signs.

More information is available by contacting PWS South on 6165 4053.​

View our webpage ​for more information about our planned burns program.​

Last reviewed 10/9/2026 04:24 PM

Planned burn: Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Applies from 12/9/2026

Weather permitting, we will be conducting a planned burn at Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park​ in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) on 12 September 2026.

Fire is an important part of sustaining the ecology of and protecting values in the TWWHA. 

The total area of the burns is approximately 8391 hectares. It is likely to take 2 - 4 days to complete. Smoke may last for some days after the burn.

During burning operations access to this area will be restricted. Stay well out of the burn site. Please follow directions from staff or any signs.

More information is available by contacting PWS South on 6165 4053. 

View our webpage ​more information about our planned burns program.​​​

Last reviewed 10/9/2026 04:30 PM

Planned burn: Macquarie Harbour - Unallocated Crown Land
Applies from 12/9/2026

Weather permitting, we will be conducting a planned burn at Macquarie Harbour on unallocated Crown land in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) on 12 September 2026.

Fire is an important part of sustaining the ecology of and protecting values in the TWWHA. 

The total area of the burns is approximately 241 hectares. It is likely to take 2 - 4 days to complete. Smoke may last for some days after the burn.

During burning operations access to this area will be restricted. Stay well out of the burn site. Please follow directions from staff or any signs.

More information is available by contacting PWS South on 6165 4053.

View our webpage ​for more information about our planned burns program.​​

Last reviewed 10/9/2026 04:17 PM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

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

ContactExpand/Collapse

3 - 5 days return, 54km return
Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
A challenging track with almost 1500 metres of accumulated elevation gain. This track can feature plenty of mud and variable weather. Rock scrambling may be required near the summit. Walkers need to be experienced, well-equipped and self-sufficient.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Bookings:

You must register for this walk.

Register n​ow

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

About

​​Frenchmans Cap is a tall, white quartzite mountain in Tasmania. It is 1,446 metres high and rises from exceptionally beautiful rainforest-clad ranges and mountain lakes. 

From the top, there are wide views of the surrounding landscape, including the Southwest Wilderness to the south, and peaks of the Overland track to the north. The Franklin River flows through the area below.

Most people take 3–4 days to walk to the summit and back. The track passes through many different places, such as open grassy areas, forests, rainforests, and high mountain plants. Animals like wallabies, wombats, possums, echidnas, platypus, and birds may be seen along the way. 

The track can be rough. There are rocks, tree roots, boardwalks, and some steep climbs with ladders. The weather can change quickly here, so walkers need to be ready for cold, wet, and windy conditions.

Frenchmans Cap is in the Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and is a challenging walk for experienced walkers. 

Use our Walk Notes​ to determine if this is a suitable walk for you. 

  • 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! 

​

More information

​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know Before You Go web page.

​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

Walker Safety Message - Multiday Walks Grades 4 and 5 - Alpine

Grade 4 and 5 Multi-day walks in alpine environments are challenging and require careful planning. Most of these walks include steep climbs, rocky ground, deep mud, cliffs, and sections that require navigation or rock scrambling. The weather in Tasmania's alpine areas can change quickly. Snow, rain, strong wind and sun can occur at any time of year.

These areas are often remote, and people can get lost, injured, or affected by weather exposure. Attempts to rescue people may take significant time, or may not be possible. Deaths have occurred.

These walks are recommended for walkers who have significant bushwalking experience. Bushwalking clubs are a good way to build skills such as navigation, managing weather, and choosing the right equipment. Walks should be chosen to match the skills, fitness, and experience of everyone in the group. The track classification guide explains the difficulty grading of each walk.

Good preparation is essential. Walkers should carry equipment suitable for all weather conditions and unplanned scenarios. See our list of recommended items to take on multi-day walks and alpine walks on our Safety In Parks page.

Learn about the dangers of cold by watching the hypothermia safety video.

For more information on safety and equipment, see Safety in parks. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles)