Frenchmans Cap Trek

We pick you up early this morning in Launceston, from one of our two pick up locations. Our first pick up point is at 6:15am from the Grand Chancellor and our second pick up point is at 6:30am at the Penny Royal. We then travel 3 hours south-west to the start of the Frenchmans Cap Track. This scenic drive is the perfect opportunity for your guides to introduce the region to you as you watch the landscape change from the historic buildings of Launceston to the rugged wilderness of the Tasmanian Highlands. Reaching the trail head, we enjoy our packed lunch before we wave goodbye to the bus and start walking! We cross the Franklin River then climb gently through the tea tree forests of Mt Mullens. If the weather is clear we will be given our first stunning views of Frenchmans and the surrounding peaks. Tonight we camp by the picturesque Lake Vera, where your guides will whip up a hearty evening meal and brief you on the next exciting day. Walking distance: 16 km | Walking time: 6-7 hours. *You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  L,D

From Lake Vera we head toward tonight’s camp at Lake Tahune, nestled below the summit of Frenchmans Cap. The track takes us steeply up through Barron Pass where unsurpassed views of Frenchmans can be enjoyed from a distance. The sight of the epic, quartzite peak rising up and out of the surrounding dense wilderness is breathtaking and gives even the most experienced bushwalker an invigorating jolt of excitement. We sidle Sharlands Peak and pass through the Artichoke Valley before descending into camp. Walking Distance: 6 km | Walking Time: 8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we ascend the imposing summit of tuynti/Frenchmans Cap. The climb is challenging and immensely rewarding; an absolute highlight of Tasmanian bushwalking. The ascent is approximately 1.7 km in distance and takes roughly 2 hours. The views from the top are incomparable, taking in a vast expanse of the wild and rugged south-west. After time to completely absorb the scenery, we have the option of taking a track through the saddle and North Col and sidle past Lion Head to Lake Nancy where we can have a well deserved lunch while enjoying the views north-west towards Mt. Mary and the mighty Franklin River. In the afternoon we return to our comfortable camp at Lake Tahune and enjoy another hearty meal high up in the Tasmanian wilderness. Walking Distance: 3 km | Walking Time: 4-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning gives us the opportunity to summit Frenchman's Cap once more if inclement weather held us back yesterday. We then return on rough track through diverse forests and mountain passes to the stunning camp at Lake Vera. Our packs are feeling lighter today and we have a spring in our step that only a Tasmanian bushwalker truly understands; There's nothing like five days in the wilderness to clear your head and energise your soul! It is well worth returning to Lake Vera, a magical campsite nestled below the dominating forested heights of the White Needle and Philps Peak. Tonight your guides will prepare our last evening meal in the wilderness, and we enjoy our final night out under the stars. Walking Distance: 6 - 9 km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we pack up camp and return across the Loddon Plains to the trail head. This morning's walk enables us to take in the epic mountainous landscape we have explored over the last five days, and reflect upon all we have achieved. We clean our bushwalking gear at the wash down station – to prevent the spread of plant diseases – then board our awaiting bus. We drive back to Launceston, via the scenic Central Highlands and Great Lake, stopping for lunch along the way, reaching Launceston between approximately 5:30 to 6:30pm. Our two drop-off points in Launceston are the Grand Chancellor and the Penny Royal. After a hot shower and donning fresh clothes, you may like to meet up with your fellow bushwalking companions at one of Launceston's great eateries for a celebratory dinner. Walking distance 16 km | Walking time 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L