Frenchmans Cap
The white quartzite dome of Frenchmans Cap above the Franklin wild rivers
The route
The line through Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers, Tasmania, Australia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Derwent Bridge / Hobart trailheadTrailhead
Start of route [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
- 2Intermediate camp/villageCamp
Staging point (approx) [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
- 3Intermediate camp/villageCamp
Staging point (approx) [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
- 4High point / turnaroundSummit
Turnaround (out-and-back) [interpolated - upgrade in research]
Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.
Season & conditions
Nov-Apr
Cold, wet, wind; the summit is often in cloud
Best Nov-Apr; snow and wild weather any month. Confirm.
On the trail
Buttongrass plains (once notorious mud, now boardwalked in parts), forest, quartzite
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Moderate; feels wild
Turn around at Lake Tahune if weather is poor
Getting there & staying
Lyell Highway trailhead near Derwent Bridge
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Public huts at Lake Vera and Lake Tahune (bunks); carry a tent as backup
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Derwent Bridge / Hobart; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
Parks pass; modernised huts (Vera, Tahune)
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Cold/wet exposure, mud, the exposed summit climb
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.