Hiking to the summit of Frenchmans Cap

Breathtaking views from the top of Frenchmans Cap | Aran Price

Views from Frenchman's Cap | Michele Eckersley

Hikers on Frenchman's Cap | Sam Craddock

A section of the trail along the hike to Frenchmans Cap

View from Frenchmans Cap towering over Lake Tahune and Lake Vera | Tourism Tasmania & Nicholas Tomlin

The stunning panoramic view from Frenchmans Cap | Tourism Tasmania & Nicholas Tomlin

Frenchmans Cap Trek

Trekking to one of Tasmania's most alluring and iconic peaks

Australia

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15 reviews

5 Days from

$1970 USD

Trip Code: FFT

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Tent Supplement

$33 USD

Duration

5 Days

Activities

5 days trekking with a full pack

Accommodation

4 nights camping

Meals

4 Dinners
5 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint

19kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(76kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Spectacular and challenging walking
Unsurpassed views of the entire World Heritage Wilderness
Endemic sub-alpine flora
Extraordinary side trips to high peaks
Discover the history and hard work behind this epic track
Summit the iconic quartzite peak of tuynti/Frenchmans Cap

Overview

Trekking to Tuynti/Frenchmans Cap is an unforgettable challenge, a journey through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness. Rising 1446 metres above sea level in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, this gleaming white quartzite peak is an awe-inspiring sight, towering over the surrounding wilderness and offering one of the most breathtaking summit views in Australia. From the top, the vast expanse of Tasmania unfolds before you, with panoramic views stretching to the Arthur Range, Mt Ossa and Macquarie Harbour.

This 54km return trek takes you deep into wild and untouched terrain, crossing open button grass plains, weaving through lush rainforests, and tackling steep, rocky ascents. Along the way, you’ll experience the region’s unique biodiversity, from ancient plant life to endemic bird species, all thriving in this rugged and pristine environment.

Taking on such a remote and challenging trek is not to be underestimated, which is why joining a guided group provides the ultimate advantage. With expert leadership, logistical support, and a carefully planned itinerary, you can focus on the experience rather than the details. Our itinerary allows five days on the trail, increasing the likelihood of reaching the summit in the best possible conditions. Safety, knowledge, and camaraderie are at the core of this adventure, ensuring you can fully embrace the challenge while supported by experienced guides who know the track inside out.

For those who seek an immersive wilderness adventure and the satisfaction of summiting one of Tasmania’s most iconic peaks, this trek offers the perfect combination of physical challenge, remote beauty, and expert guidance.

Itinerary

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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

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

2 professional wilderness guides
4 nights camping
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
Transport by private minibus
National Park fees
Tent, inflatable sleeping mat and gaiters
Group camping equipment including all cooking and eating equipment
Emergency communications and group first aid kit

Not included

Travel to and from Launceston
Accommodation prior to and after the trip
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking in Launceston etc
Travel insurance
Sleeping bag, back pack
Face masks and hand sanitiser

Adventure Highlighted Video

How Hard Is Tasmania's Frenchmans Cap Trek?

Frenchmans Cap: Flora & Fauna on the trail to the summit

Reviews (15)

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Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

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No. We will not have access to power along the track. We suggest you bring the required number of rechargeable packs you require for your devices.

This trek commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing at 3pm on the day before departure. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing and that you bring along all of the gear/clothing required for your expedition with you.

The terrain is rugged and remote. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. You will walk through heathland, Eucalypt forest, rainforest, moorland, and exposed alpine plateaus. There will be some steep walking and scrambles on the ascent to the summit. With the wild weather of Tasmania there is a large chance you will encounter wet and muddy paths.

For your expedition you will need to carry all equipment in a full trekking backpack that is 75-90 litres in capacity. Depending on the quantity of personal gear and toiletries the average pack weight will be between 18-22 kg.

The Frenchman's Cap Trek is a moderate to challenging walk so you will need to have an excellent level of fitness. You will be carrying a full pack while trekking in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. Previous multi day hiking experience is highly recommended, as is previous experience on a full pack trek. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

Tasmania’s south west is renowned for its wild, unpredictable weather. The trip runs between December and March when we have the best chance for warmer temperatures, but you are likely to experience all sorts of weather on the Frenchman's Cap Trek. This region often experiences extreme and rapidly changing weather. You’ll likely to encounter wild winds, heavy rain and sunshine (often all in one single day). You will need to be prepared to walk in all weather conditions as winds, steady rain, and even snow in elevated areas, can occur at any time of year.

We suggest asking your pre/post tour accommodation about car parking or there are secure carparks in Launceston where you can pre-book a spot.