Dominated by an impressive granite peak, Mount Frankland National Park covers approximately 31,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and tingle forest as well as expanses of treeless heathland.
Centre of the Wilderness
From the top of Mount Frankland you have 360 degree views of the Walpole Wilderness. The forests, wetlands and heathlands below you are home to many unique plants and animals. See if you can track the course of the Frankland River as it makes its way to the coast.
Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre
Mount Frankland is one of three sites that make up the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre. It marks the boundary between vast tracts of pristine bush to the north and the human-occupied areas to the south.
Interpretive panels provide an insight into the wilderness through the eyes of a tower man - the person responsible for manning the fire lookout on top of Mount Frankland to scan for fires.
A sense of arrival
The spectacular Arrival Space Shelter provides information on Mount Frankland and the Walpole Wilderness as well as a space to sit and contemplate what wilderness means to you.
History
Dr J Wilson named Mount Frankland after climbing Mount Lindesay during his explorations north and west of Albany in 1829. He named Mount Frankland after the then Surveyor-General of Tasmania.
The Aboriginal name for Mount Frankland is Caldyanup.
A birds eye view
The Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout provides you with a spectacular view over the western side of the Walpole Wilderness from high above the forest floor. From this vantage point on the side of Little Mount Frankland it is a challenge to see any sign of human activity or habitation.
Getting there
Mount Frankland is about 30 minutes drive from Walpole. The last section of road is unsealed but accessible to conventional vehicles.
Mount Frankland Walks
Choose from several walks depending on how much time you have and your fitness level.
The Towerman’s Hut is an easy walk to a barbecue area where you can explore the old hut built in 1956. From here the towerman left to climb to the summit of Mount Frankland several times a day to watch for fires and check the weather.
Distance: 200m return
Time: 10 minutes
Class: 1 Suitable for wheelchairs.
View the Walpole Wilderness from high above the forest floor on the spectacular Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. From here it is a challenge to see any sign of human activity or habitation.
Distance: 600m return
Time: 20 minutes
Class: 1 Suitable for wheelchairs.
Follow The Summit Trail to the towerman’s lookout on top of Mount Frankland. While the walk is strenuous, the views make it worthwhile – on a clear day you can see the Porongurup and Stirling ranges in the east and the Southern Ocean to the south.
To get there you will need to climb a ladder and over 300 steep steps. Consider your fitness level and the weather conditions before proceeding. For more information visit TrailsWA.
Distance: 1.2km return
Time: 40 minutes
Class: 4 Difficult.
Take the trail to Soho Lookout and continue on the Caldyanup Trail. This trail loops around the granite bulk of Mount Frankland through the karri forest with views beyond.
Distance: 1.6km return
Time: 40 minutes
Class: 3 Moderately difficult.
Picnicking
Gas barbecues and picnic tables are provided at the Towerman’s Hut about 100m from the carpark. Check out the hut and learn about the life of a towerman. Find out if you would have possessed the qualifications to become a towerman in 1950.
Birdwatching
Mount Frankland National Park is home to a rich array of birds, from eagles that soar high above the peak to colourful fairy wrens and robins that flit through the forest. Spring and early summer are the best times for birdwatching. Although the park has never been fully surveyed for birds, more than 50 species are likely to occur here.
