Frenchman's Cap Trek

Transfer from Launceston, trek to Lake Vera

Our adventure begins early when we pick you up from your Launceston accommodation at approximately 6:30am and 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

Lake Vera to Lake Tahune

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. Today is a relatively short day which allows us to rest at our wonderful camp, or have a refreshing swim in Lake Tahune. If the weather is unbeatable we may even attempt to summit Frenchmans Cap in the afternoon. Spare time is also factored into contingency for the previous day's walking.Walking Distance: 6km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Summit Frenchmans Cap and explore surrounding area

Today we ascend the imposing summit of 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 1-2 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 track through the saddle and North Col and sidle past Lion Head to Lake Nancy. Here we 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

Lake Tahune to Lake Vera

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 Philips 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

Trek to trail head, transfer to Launceston

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 six 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, and will drop you at your Launceston accommodation by approximately 5pm. 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