Frenchman Peak (Mandooboornup)

The granite hat — not a lookout stroll

Named by surveyor Alexander Forrest in 1870 for a resemblance to French troop hats. Wudjari name: Mandooboornup. Explore Parks WA frames a steep hike to 262 m with panoramic views of the park and the Recherche Archipelago. The walk is short on the map and long in the legs.

Typical planning figures: about 3 km return, 140–190 m gain, 1.5–3 hours. Class 4 in many listings; some sources call it Class 5 / hard. Confirm the live official wording. Pair with one bay after, not Hellfire plus Thistle plus Lucky on the same first clock.

How the morning actually runs

2WD to the signed picnic / car park off Frenchmans Peak Road. Early start: cooler granite, lighter wind, fewer people on the slabs, time to reverse without rushing the descent.

Stick to the marked east-slope path. Shortcuts look shorter and are deceptively steep, especially on the way down. There is no mid-climb bail-out once you are committed to the upper rock — turning around is the plan.

Descent, cave, wet rock

Descent is the harder part: face the rock, short steps, no running the last 100 m because the car is visible. Wet or mossy granite is a reverse, not a “careful” continue.

The cave near the summit is a wave-formed feature, not a storm hut. Electrical weather and strong wind are reverse cues.

Who should not, and what to do instead

Who should not: very young children, anyone unsteady on rock, wet-weather groups, people who need formed paths or reliable mobile signal. Carry all drinking water — there is none on the route. The walk sits in a 1080 baiting area. No dogs.

If the rock is slick, drive Lucky Bay, Hellfire or Thistle instead. The peak can wait. See the wet-granite Plan B article.

Highlights at a glance

• 262 m granite dome
• Cave near the summit
• Views to bays and islands
• Marked east-slope path

Walks nearby

Grades, times and open/closed status change — open each guide and verify on Explore Parks WA / DBCA before you go.

Itineraries that use this area

Related articles

Longer notes for this precinct — then come back to the area page for logistics.

• Frenchman Peak on wet granite — turn around

  Why the 262 m dome is a reverse on wet or mossy rock, who should not start, and what to do with the rest of the day.

• Coastal Trail in one day: when it’s too long

  15 km vs ~20 km, Class 5 granite, shuttle reality, and the sections that still count as walking Cape Le Grand.

Map

Orientation only — confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

FAQ — Frenchman Peak