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Best trails in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Best trails in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

4.5(1,162 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#116 of 637 national parks

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Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is located between the Central Highlands and West Coast Range of Tasmania. It is a wild and remote place that rewards its visitors with spectacular scenery and unique experiences. As the name suggests, it is home to the Franklin River and the Gordon River gorges. These are the only rivers in Tasmania not to be dammed and the controversy surrounding them is one of Australia's most significant environmental campaigns. One look at this area and its pristine rivers will give you an understanding as to why it was so important to protect this area.

Accessing this park is for the most part by the Lyell Highway which dissects the top of the park and offers many trails dotted along the road.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Frenchman's Cap Trail

    4.7(221)
    ·Hard
    ·27.9 mi
    Frenchmans Cap is one of those iconic multi-day walks into the rugged Wild Rivers National Park that represents the essence of Tasmanian walking: tannin-coloured rivers, button grass plains, perched glacial lakes and craggy wind-blasted peaks. In an area noted for its high rainfall, the flood plains of the Loddon River have become synonymous with mud and represent a challenge to the most enthusiastic walker. Following a track that was first cut to facilitate the exploitation of minerals...

  2. #2 - Nelson Falls Track

    4.8(233)
    ·Easy
    ·0.7 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The Nelson Falls Track offers a quick immersion into the temperate rainforest of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The walk is flat and highly maintained, making it suitable for families and individuals using strollers or wheelchairs. A wide gravel path follows a small stream through moss-covered gullies and fern glades, leading directly to the base of the 30-metre cascade. The falls are particularly forceful after the heavy rainfall common to Tasmania’s west coast, often creating a...

  3. #3 - Lake Rhona via Rasselas Track

    4.5(127)
    ·Hard
    ·17.9 mi
    ·Est. 9.5–10.5 hr
    Framed by the towering cliffs of the Denison Range, the journey to Lake Rhona is a true Tasmanian wilderness experience that rewards the prepared with a stunning pink quartzite beach. The adventure begins before you even leave the car, as the access roads through the Florentine Valley can be rough and challenging to navigate; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and following specific local directions rather than standard GPS apps will help you find the trailhead. Once on the track, the...

  4. #4 - Frenchmans Cap: Trailhead carpark to Lake Vera

    4.7(80)
    ·Hard
    ·9.5 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Begin one of Tasmania's most iconic wilderness journeys with the first day's trek to Lake Vera. This challenging bushwalk takes you deep into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, crossing the famous Franklin River on a suspension bridge before tackling the rugged track. The trail ends at the beautiful Lake Vera hut, a welcome sight after a tough day of hiking. This is a demanding walk in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A car park and walker registration...

  5. #5 - Donaghys Hill Lookout

    4.6(112)
    ·Easy
    ·1.4 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Spectacular 360-degree views of the wild Tasmanian wilderness await those who take this short wander off the Lyell Highway. The journey begins on a wide gravel path, then transitions to a narrower track that winds through a forest of ancient eucalyptus regnans, some estimated to be over 200 years old. As you climb gently toward the summit, the dense canopy gives way to an impressive lookout structure that offers a true sense of the park's scale. From the top, the Collingwood River Valley...

  6. #6 - Franklin River Nature Trail

    4.6(98)
    ·Easy
    ·1.3 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is a scenic short loop that is worth taking your time to enjoy as there are small encounters to be noticed from the silhouettes of the trees to the broken logs wrapped in fungi below. If you're visiting in summertime, you'll likely encounter the enveloping aromas of the Leatherwood Flowers (Eucryphia lucida) in the area, which produce a sweet nectar that are flavoured by the bees - and notably are responsible for producing Tasmania's distinct leatherwood honey. The trail is suited for...

  7. #7 - Frenchmans Cap: Lake Vera to Lake Tahune

    4.6(53)
    ·Hard
    ·3.5 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Leaving the peaceful shores of Lake Vera, you’ll head straight into a steep climb through a magical, mossy rainforest. The track here is a tangle of tree roots and rocks, so you'll want to watch your step. It’s a bit of a slog, but the forest is stunning. As you get higher, you’ll pop out of the trees and onto open button grass plains, where you'll get your first proper look at the incredible landscape around you. The final push to Barron Pass reveals the magnificent, white quartzite cliffs...

  8. #8 - Mount King William I Summit Hike

    4.7(58)
    ·Hard
    ·6.4 mi
    Mount King William I is the most accessible peak in the range and boasts some spectacular views over the national park. The route starts with a gradual climb along a fire trail as you prepare for a stretch of more challenging uphill climbing towards the peak of King William I that will be sure to get that blood pumping. The route tackles some rocky terrain so wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.

  9. #9 - Franklin River Swing Bridge

    4.1(57)
    ·Easy
    ·0.5 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    An enjoyable trail through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in central Tasmania. This out and back route begins from the parking area on the Lyell Highway. The trail itself is relatively short walk along a boardwalk with some stairs at the bottom leading down to the Franklin River where there is an interesting suspension bridge - the highlight of this trail.

  10. #10 - Frenchmans Cap: Lake Tahune​ to Frenchm​​​ans Cap Summit

    4.9(26)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.2 mi
    This is a challenging trail to the iconic summit of Frenchman's Cap. The hike to the summit involves a serious and exposed scramble for experienced hikers only, requiring a good head for heights. You'll be climbing up the famous white quartzite rock, with absolutely breathtaking views of Lake Tahune below. This is a tough, unforgettable climb where you must be prepared for rapidly changing weather and turn back if conditions aren't perfect.
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is Frenchman's Cap Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 221 reviews. This trail is 27.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 8,631 ft.

What is the longest trail in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is Frenchman's Cap Trail. This trail is estimated to be 27.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

There are 21 trails in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Frenchman's Cap Trail has the most elevation gain with 8,631 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Lake Rhona via Rasselas Track, which has 4,078 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 camping trails in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and the most popular is Frenchman's Cap Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 221 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and the most popular is Franklin River Nature Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 98 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Yes, there are 12 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, including Frenchman's Cap Trail, Frenchmans Cap: Lake Vera to Lake Tahune, Mount King William I Summit Hike, Frenchmans Cap: Lake Tahune​ to Frenchm​​​ans Cap Summit, and Clear Hill Track.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: Nelson Falls Track.

Are there any trails with rivers in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with rivers in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, including Frenchman's Cap Trail, Lake Rhona via Rasselas Track, Frenchmans Cap: Trailhead carpark to Lake Vera, Franklin River Nature Trail, and Franklin River Swing Bridge.

Are there any trails with huts in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with lakes in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, including Frenchman's Cap Trail, Frenchmans Cap: Trailhead carpark to Lake Vera, and Frenchmans Cap: Lake Vera to Lake Tahune.