Frenchman’s Cap – Multi-Day Pack Hike (Tasmania, South West)

Frenchman’s Cap is known for highly unpredictable alpine weather, so this walk may take between 3 and 4 nights. All participants must be prepared for a flexible itinerary.
In addition to the Frenchman’s Cap walk, there will be 2 or 3 extra nights spent elsewhere in Tasmania, (to be determined).

About the Walk
Frenchman’s Cap is one of Tasmania’s most challenging multi-day hikes. Participants must be experienced and well-prepared. Weather conditions in this region can change rapidly, and the summit should not be attempted in poor conditions.
High winds, rain, snow, ice and low visibility can make the quartzite extremely slippery and dangerous.
Please do your own research into walk, in additional to the information provided here.

Proposed Itinerary

March 14th (Saturday)

• Flight to Launceston
• Pick up hire car
• Activities and location to be decided

March 15th (Sunday)

• Activities and location to be decided

March 16th - Trailhead Carpark to Lake Vera

• Drive to Trailhead Carpark
• Hike Distance: 15 km
• Time: 5–7 hours

March 17th - Lake Vera to Lake Tahune (Summit of Frenchman's Cap)

• Hike Distance: 5.5 km
• Time: ~4 hours
• Frenchman's Cap (weather dependent)
• Hike Distance: 3.2 km
• Elevation gain: 450 m
• Time: ~3.0 hours return

March 18th - Lake Tahune to Lake Vera

• Frenchman's Cap (backup date)
• Hike Distance: 5.5 km
• Time: ~4 hours
• Additional Side trips to other points of interest

March 19th - Lake Vera to Trailhead

• Hike Distance: 15 km
• Time: 5–7 hours
• Drive to Launceston (or other location)

March 20th

• Flight to Melbourne

Cost (indicative):

• Airfares
• Tasmania Parks Pass
• Share of car hire and fuel costs
• Additional accommodation and food

Camping items such as fresh food and camping gas canisters can not be taken on airflights

Note: This trip is only open to members who regularly attend our events and have experience with multi-day pack backing hiking trips (preferable with one or both of the leaders).

Upon RSVPing, you will be placed on a waitlist. Movement to the “going” list will be at the discretion of the leaders.

The final “going” list will be confirmed by mid-February.

Fitness Level:
You need to be in good physical condition and have experience with multi-day back packing hikes.

What to bring:
All items required for a 6 day/5 night back packing hiking trip including:

• backpack large enough to carry all equipment
• tent/sleeping bag and pad
• food to last trip, including energy food and drinks
• camp stove and fuel, food utensils
• water bottles/bladders
• hiking boots/shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, bathers, quick dry towel, hiking poles
• personal first aid and hygiene supplies, headlamp or torch.
  thermal layers, quality hiking jacket.

Please do not RSVP to any Eastern Hiking & Adventure event unless you are fully committed to attending. It is your responsibility to check the date, distance, and difficulty of the walk before RSVPing. Members who frequently withdraw at the last minute, fail to show up, arrive without being on the "going" list, or behave disrespectfully towards leaders or fellow members will be asked to leave the walk and may be removed from the group. All leaders are unpaid volunteers who invest a great deal of their own time to plan and research each walk. Their efforts deserve respect and consideration. Organisers do their best to minimize waitlists where possible, and priority will be given to reliable members who attend regularly and contribute positively to the group experience.

DISCLAIMER
Our events may involve challenging and potentially hazardous conditions.
Eastern Hiking & Adventure organisers accept no liability for any loss, injury, or accident that may occur. You are solely responsible for your own safety. Participants are expected to take appropriate precautions, including:

• ensuring you have a suitable level of fitness and health for the specific event
• wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and keeping your equipment in good working condition
• acting responsibly and being aware of your surroundings
• following all directions given by the event leader.

Ambulance cover is strongly recommended. By RSVP’ing to this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms.