Have you ever witnessed the Frenchman Peak? A prominent natural marvel in Western Australia. When sea levels were at least 300 meters higher than they are today and the peaks of Cape Le Grand were primarily underwater 40 million years ago, it is thought that wave action and underwater fluxes formed a large cavern at the summit. Rising to a modest 262 meters above sea level, Frenchman Peak, known by its aboriginal name, Mandooboornup, has significant importance to the local Aboriginal culture.
Frenchman Peak is located east of Esperance in Cape Le Grand National Park, just a 35–40-minute drive from the center of town in Western Australia. It’s a part of a robust chain of granite and gneiss peaks that also includes Mount Le Grand and Mississippi Hill. There are many famous spots in Cape Le Grand National Park, such as Lucky Bay, Thistle Cove, and Hellfire Bay, but Frenchman Peak is undoubtedly the most recognizable walk in the region.
Remember, Frenchman Peak rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Recherche Archipelago’s southern coastline and islands. Over the ages, wind, water, and other natural forces have destroyed most of the surrounding landscape, but one granite dome with a pointed apex that resembles the caps worn by French troops in the 1800s stands out as a survivor. In June 2024, a rescue team discovered the body of a 28-year-old man who had perished after falling off the summit track at Frenchman’s Cap in Tasmania.
Considered a difficult path in general, taking about 2 to 3 hours to complete, it depends upon the fitness level. This 2.4-kilometer out-and-back track is located close to Cape Le Grand in Western Australia. Parks and Wildlife has classified this trip as a Class 5 trek, mostly due to the hard ascent up the granite hill. Since this is a highly popular place to stroll and hike, you will probably run into other people while you are exploring. Extremely tough terrain, steep hills, and difficult rock hopping or scrambling are all possible on this trail. Inadequate or nonexistent signs for directions create a lot of problems.
The trail is for highly skilled bushwalkers who possess a high degree of fitness and navigation and emergency first aid skills. Consequently, it is strongly advised to take the route that the rock charts indicate. Avoid trying to cut corners because the rock is rather steep, especially when descending. In windy or rainy conditions, this walk is not advised. Steep and possibly slick rock faces present challenges. Reviewers advise staying out of the rain and donning grippy hiking boots. It is well worth the effort to see the breathtaking views from the peak. Hence, Frenchman Peak is a must-visit place when coming to Cape Le Grand; don’t miss it.
Read More: Lake Bumbunga: Breathtaking Pink Lake in South Australia
