Frenchmans Cap, Mountain summit in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania, Australia

Frenchmans Cap is a quartzite peak rising 1,446 meters (4,744 feet) within Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and ranks among Tasmania's highest mountains. Steep cliffs encircle all sides, creating a dramatic pointed summit that stands out distinctly from the surrounding landscape.

James Sprent made the first recorded European ascent in 1853, opening the mountain to wider attention among explorers and mountaineers. Since that early climb, it has become a well-established destination for those seeking mountain challenges in Tasmania's remote wilderness.

The mountain lies in the traditional lands of the Aboriginal Tasmanians, most likely the Toogee nation, who knew it as trullenuer, toindy or mebbelek. The name Frenchmans Cap was first recorded in 1822, when the peak served as a landmark for ships and the Macquarie Harbour Penal Station. Henry Widdowson wrote in 1829 that the name came from its snow cover resembling a French cook's headdress.

The hike to the summit requires multiple days starting from Lyell Highway, with overnight stays available at huts near Lake Vera and Lake Tahune. Plan plenty of time for this demanding trek through remote, rugged terrain and come prepared for changing weather conditions.

The mountain's name comes from its shape, likened to the Liberty cap worn during the French Revolution. Climbers have named routes with French titles such as A Toi La Gloire, a 380-metre, 13-pitch grade 17 climb on the south-east face, and Tierry Le Fronde, a 150-metre, six-pitch grade 16 on the Tahune Face.