Pumphouse Point

Frankland Beaches Walk is a walk in Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park. 2 hours, 6 km return. Grade 2. ​Gently strolling along the edge of Lake St Clair, this formed track meanders along the beaches and through glacial moraines. You can explore the outstanding geomorphological features - caused by moving glaciers during the last Ice Age. Stop along the way at the interpretive signage to learn how the ice formed and shaped Lake St Clair. In clear weather, the Frankland Beaches Walk provides stunning views of Mount Rufus, Mount Hugel, Little Hugel, Mount Olympus and the Travellers Range. Even when the peaks are covered in cloud, the lake has a moody and ethereal appearance.​ Start at the Cynthia Bay jetty near the Visitor Centre, the track takes walkers to the east along the lake edge to the Frankland Beaches. Return via the same route. Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.

Lake St Clair is at the southern end of the world famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Aboriginal people of the area called the lake Leeawuleena, meaning sleeping water. Carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, this is the deepest freshwater lake in Australia (167 metres/ 547 feet) and the headwaters of the Derwent River. The area around Lake St Clair offers a wealth of walks, ranging from leisurely 45 minutes strolls to overnight bushwalks, as well as beautiful forests to explore. Lake St Clair is also the end point of the famous Overland Track, which runs from Cradle Mountain in the north to Cynthia Bay on the southern shore of Lake St Clair. Try fishing, boating or the ferry service travelling the 18 kilometre length of the lake, and meet bushwalkers completing the Overland Track. To help you make the most of your stay, information officers are available at the centre seven days a week. They can advise you on what to do and where to go and assist with general enquiries.

On this trek you will spend five unforgettable days trekking through the Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to your destination - the white quartzite dome of Frenchman's Cap (1443 metres). Beginning your journey at the world-famous Franklin River, you will walk across button grass plains, through dense rainforest and among wild mountains. You'll camp at stunning Lake Tahune, nestled below the mountain's towering 450 metre southeast face before ascending to the summit of Frenchman's Cap itself. In fine weather, you will experience spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests of Tasmania's south west wilderness before retracing your steps back to the Franklin River and your coach journey home. See our website for a detailed itinerary.