Located in Cape Le Grand National Park, the Frenchman Peak Trail offers a challenging 3-kilometer (return) hike rewarded with stunning panoramic views. The trail takes approximately 2 hours to complete and is rated as grade 5, meaning it's a steep and demanding climb.
The peak itself is part of an impressive chain formed by massive outcrops of granite and gneiss, sculpted by over 600 million years of erosion and Earth's crust movements. Caves and tunnels found within these peaks are believed to be remnants of a time when sea levels were much higher, around 40 million years ago.
In 1870, explorer John Forrest and his brother, surveyor Alexander Forrest, passed through this area. Alexander named the peak "Frenchman Peak" due to its resemblance to a figure wearing a Frenchman's cap. The traditional Aboriginal name for the peak is Mandooboornup.
Starting from the Cape Le Grand National Park carpark, the trail follows an east-facing slope, offering a gradual incline. It's crucial to stick to the designated path and avoid shortcuts, as the granite rock can be deceptively steep, especially on the descent. Due to the challenging terrain, this hike is not recommended during wet or windy weather.
Despite the difficulty, the summit rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramas. Take in the vastness of the southern coastline, the Recherche Archipelago islands, and the rugged beauty of Cape Le Grand National Park itself, with its iconic bays, sweeping heathlands, and granite peaks.
Don't underestimate this hike. While the distance may seem manageable, the steep terrain makes it a demanding climb. However, the stunning views from the summit make the effort worthwhile.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Total distance: 2469 m
Max elevation: 237 m
Min elevation: 87 m
Total climbing: 174 m
Total descent: -175 m
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Cape Le Grand National Park is approximately 45-minute drive from Esperance, Western Australia.
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Cape Le Grand National Park, a jewel near Esperance, Western Australia, stuns visitors with its diverse landscapes and idyllic beauty. This park, recently voted 8th place in Tripadvisor's 2022 Traveller's Choice Awards for Top 10 South Pacific Beaches, showcases the best of Western Australia's natural wonders.
Imagine pristine white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, a sight straight out of a postcard. Lucky Bay, famous for its resident colony of sunbathing kangaroos, is just one of the park's many idyllic coves. Here, you can set up camp under a canopy of stars, have a picnic with a breathtaking ocean view, or simply relax on the warm sand.
The park's beauty extends beyond the coastline. Rugged granite outcrops rise dramatically from the landscape, contrasting with freshwater pools and wildflower meadows teeming with color in spring. Hike or bike along the network of trails, traversing the park's diverse terrain and soaking in the panoramic vistas. For the adventurous, rock climbing opportunities await at Frenchman Peak and Mount Le Grand.
Cape Le Grand caters to all interests. Swim, surf, fish, or boat in the crystal-clear waters. Explore the park's wild reaches on the Le Grand Coastal Trail, a network connecting the most spectacular coastal sections. Feeling ambitious? Take the challenging hike to the 262-meter summit of Frenchman Peak and be rewarded with breathtaking views encompassing the park and the Recherche Archipelago islands.
Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches, exploration of diverse landscapes, or an adrenaline rush with hiking and rock climbing, Cape Le Grand National Park has something for everyone.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
