Hiking Frenchman’s Cap in Tassie

The hiking itch was itchn’.

It had been a while since my epic multi-day hikes in New Zealand, so I was craving another hiking adventure. I had heard of the highly regarded Frenchman’s Cap hike in Tassie, and thought what a cool way it would be to spend New Year’s on the mountain.

Ethan and Jess were both keen to come along, so before we knew it we were on the plane heading for Tassie!

Day 1

Our first day was a very easy day. We took our time in Hobart with a heart breaky, getting prepared and purchasing any gear we needed. We didn’t reach the trail head and start the hike until 4pm! So we only hiked 5km or so to reach our campsite for the night.

The obligatory excited photo in front of the hike entry sign. Full of energy, hopes and dreams.

All the best hikes (especially those in Tassie) all start with a swing bridge!

The trail is already so stunning, even on the first few kilometres. We had pretty over cast weather but were lucky we didn’t get rained on!

Another swing bridge! I didn’t get any photos at camp that night, but we found a nice timber platform we didn’t expect, so set up tents and settled in for an exciting few days ahead.

Day 2

We had a much bigger day ahead of us on Day 2! Our plan was to hike all the way to Tahune Hut at the base of Frenchman’s Cap itself, about 15.5km but a lot of elevation up the mountain pass. It would be our biggest day on trail.

The day started off nice and easy though, with a cruisey boardwalk through the forest.

We also spotted some incredible purple mushies!!!! Coral fungus are one of my favourite finds.

We stopped for lunch at Vera Hut, which is the usual end point of Day 1.

Beautiful Lake Vera, just as we were about to start the big climb to the pass.

This part of the track has heaps of these log steps! They were fun and different, but VERY slippery! It was also quite awkward going down them, as the steps are cut comfortably for someone stepping up them.

We passed by a few beautiful small waterfalls.

Our first view of the mountain cliffs! Almost at the top of the pass.

At the top of the pass we got our first real view of Frenchman’s Cap.

The views from the top of the pass were beyond stunning!

Sharlands Peak. We watched a few Youtube documentaries of this hike before starting, and one that has stuck with me were some climbers who challenged themselves to climb all the peaks along the pass in one day.

Ethan enjoying the views with a snack. That is one hell of a snack location!

We got very lucky with the weather!

We finally made it to Tahune Hut! And the base of the majestic Frenchman’s Cap. It was actually also New Years Eve 2023, but after the day hiking we were more interested in getting a good nights sleep and feeling well rested for the following day instead of having any kind of celebrations. That seemed to be the theme for all the hikers that night. At midnight I happened to get up to go to the bathroom and everyone in and outside of the hut were sound asleep. It felt quite strange to be spending New Years’ that way, but it was also oddly refreshing.

Day 3

The next morning our plan was to hike up to the summit of Frenchman’s Cap, another 450m of elevation gain from Tahune Hut. Unfortunately, I was starting to feel quite sick, so I decided to say down at the hut while the rest of the group went on to the summit.

I felt that I was on unfit for the hike and perhaps that is why I got run down. In any case, it certainly felt like a bit of a failure but I was sure I was doing the right thing, as there was a 2 day hike back to the car and I wanted to conserve my energy.

Instead, I sat at the hut with the parks ranger, hearing incredible tales of all the hikes he had done in the area and his career so far. I also got to see a helicopter come and go. The morning was quite peaceful in the end, and I was glad I chose my health over the summit, but I do hope to go back one day!

Once I caught up with the group after their summit trek, we started making our way back over the pass and down to Vera Hut. It was one hell of a way to spend the first day of a new year!

No matter what direction you’re hiking, these views are just so incredible. You are at risk of constant tripping because you can’t pull your eyes away!

Looking back over to the pass!

This is possibly my favourite part of the hike (albeit I didn’t summit the Cap), but this hike it just so incredibly beautiful!

We finally made it back down to Vera Hut, after the descent felt like it would never end! This was also the first time I think I have ever witnessed Ethan tired!

Such a pretty sunset at camp that night.

Day 4

The final day of the hike! Today was a pretty easy one, we only had to hike 15km from Vera Hut back to the trailhead car park. Unfortunately, I was feeling even more sick! I had picked up a bit of a head cold, which made hiking a little less fun. On the bright side, I was feeling better about sitting out the summit hike the day before, I’m sure I would have been a lot worse off.

We were on a mission to get back to the cars, so these were the only two photos I took the entire 15 km back to the cars! As you can see it is the most stunning trail.