Location: Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge
Length: 2 kilometres
Grade: 2 (suitable for most with gentle climbs)
Distance from: Hobart - 209 km, Launceston - 206 km, Devonport - 211 km
This short trail brings you through two unique climate zones to the top of a rocky hill that overlooks the confluence of the Franklin and Collingwood Rivers inside Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Off in the distance, you'll see the sparkling quartzite dome of the 1,446-metre Frenchman's Cap; the oldest exposed rock in Australia. The lookout gives you a good feel for the immensity of Tasmania's wilderness and it's achieved after a short, gentle walk off the Lyell Highway.
The Lyell Highway cuts through wilderness to connect the west coast towns of Queenstown and Strahan to the rest of Tasmania. You'll find the trailhead and its carpark 47 kilometres east of Queenstown and 35 kilometres west of Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway. The walk starts on the south side of the road.
The drives from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport are about 3 hours over the course of 209, 206 and 211 kilometres respectively.
The trail begins in dense temperate rainforest that is colourfully splashed with lichens and mosses that thrive in the moist darkness provided by the canopy. After a short time, you burst out onto a rocky, heath-covered hill with well-defined steps. The safe lookout platform is perched atop the hill where you'll get stunning views after your eyes adjust to the sunlight. This walk is a bit longer than many of the Lyell Highway walks, but it well worth the effort.
There are no facilities at the carpark. You'll have to drive to the Franklin River 9 kilometres away to find picnic tables and toilets.
As with all Tasmanian walks through rainforest, you're likely to encounter some mud on the track.
