The Best Short Trek To Do In January - The Frenchman Cap Trek
You'll find the most important details you need to know about The Frenchmap Cap Trek here, ranging from price, duration, nearest airport to what you should expect.
FYI - This is part of a series of blogs that describe and detail the best short and long treks around the world per month. The trek per month is not random, I chose the best treks with the best climate conditions per month. Type in February in the search bar of my blog section and find out what the best treks to take are in February.
Name of the Trek: Frenchman Cap Trek
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Nearest Airport: Launceston Airport
Average Trekking Duration: 3-5 days
Distance: 46 km
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Highest Altitude: 1443 m
Best Month To Go: January
Average Temperature: 16 degrees Centigrade
Average Cost: The average trekking cost charged by a regular tour operator is around 1100 to 1200 USD per person. This includes the cost of 3-times a day meal and assistance of two professional wildlife guides, four nights of camping in spots. Even the coverage of private minibus at spots is covered under the scheme package.
For a solo backpacker, the mountaineering costs would come nearly 1000 USD that will include food, stay and all the pre-requisites mentioned.
Frenchman Cap trek is based on the Western part of the island of Tasmania. The trek undertakes some of the oldest and untouched routes of Tasmania’s oldest rock, sitting at the height of over 300 meters. The view from the summit shows the green filled landscapes of the Island. By the end of the 50 km trek, you shall experience the feel observed in subalpine regions.
What to Expect?
Frenchman Cap trek begins from Launceston and a 3-hour long drive to the South-West kicks of the trekking mountain expedition. Once you make to the base, cross the Franklin River and trek across the tea forests near Mt. Mullens. End the day near the breathtaking Lake Vera and camp down after completing 6 hours of trek.
Next morning, observe the Frenchman Cap summit from the Lake, which is visible on clear skies. The quartzite peak is one of the uniqueness of the area, and the sight is truly breathtaking. Trek for about 6 km to reach Lake Tahune in about 5 hours and refresh yourself by taking a dip in the Lake.
On the 3rd day of the trek will see high altitude trek to the summit of Frenchman Cap. This is perhaps the most challenging phase of the entire trekking route, where it takes around 2 hours to climb 1.7km. Accompanying you in the course of the climb is the rugged landscape of the Tasmanian forests. Experience the views of Mt. Mary on the North West and River Franklin flowing downwards. Descend to the camp at Lake Tahune and retire for the night after walking nearly 7 hours the entire day.
On a penultimate day, return to Lake Vera with a chance to witness some fantastic spots en route. It barely will take 4 to 5 hours to descend a distance of 9km today.
In the final day of the trekking expedition, return to the base to the trailhead. With 16km to trek, it takes 7 hours to reach the same point, and the bus will take you back to Launceston, thereby ending the expedition.