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Mount Frankland Summit Trail, Walpole Mount Frankland Summit Trail, Walpole

  • 1-3 hours
  • 1.2 km
    • Bush Walk Class 4

      Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

The Summit Trail to the top of Mount Frankland takes you to the Towerman’s Lookout where there are remarkable views over the Walpole Wilderness Area. While the walk is strenuous the views make it worthwhile – on a clear day you can see Mt Roe in the north, the Porongorup and Stirling Ranges in the east and the Southern Ocean to the south.

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Located in the Mount Frankland National Park near Walpole, this short but steep walk takes you to the peak of Mount Frankland for fantastic views of the karri forest, the Frankland River below and on a clear day, the southern coastline. While at the top, look for the plaque that has the original Aboriginal name of Mount Frankland, Caldyanup, as well as directions pointing to other landmarks.

The trail starts next to the car park, at the base of Mount Frankland. Start on the bitumen track and climb to the top of the dome. The climb to the top includes over 300 steep concrete steps and requires a short ladder climb so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Walkers should also consider the weather conditions before proceeding on this walk.

On descent, take the trail to Soho Lookout and continue on the Caldyanup Trail which loops around the base of the rock (1.6km return-moderately difficult)  to immerse yourself in one of the best granite and karri areas in the south west.

There is a picnic site near the car park, toilets and shelter where you can enjoy a break before or at the end of your walk.

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Be trail ready for Mount Frankland Summit Trail, Walpole

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Up to 3 hours if you take time to rest and take in the views at the top.

Length

1.2km return

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Car park, Mount Frankland National Park. 30 minutes from Walpole which is 400km (4 hours) south of Perth.

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Trail End

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Bush Walk

Class 4

Difficult trail with rough surface that may have very steep hills or extensive rock hopping. Directional signage may be limited. Bushwalking experience, navigation and emergency first aid skills, and good fitness required.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

The climb to the top includes over 300 steep concrete steps and requires a short ladder climb so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Hazards & Warnings

Consider weather conditions before walking the Summit Trail. There are 300 steep steps and a ladder to climb so please consider your fitness level. The summit is a natural granite surface and can be slippery when wet.

Facilities

Wheelchair access, with assistance, is only available to the picnic area, toilet and Wilderness View Lookout (Grade 1).
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Bicycle Rack
  • Car Park
  • Lookouts
  • All accessible parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area

Best time of year

All year but consider weather conditions at the time.

Fees

No fees apply

Trail Access

Road or train and bus to Walpole. Road to trail. The last section is unsealed but accessible to 2WD vehicles.

Prohibited Items

No pets allowed
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3 trail goers have rated Mount Frankland Summit Trail, Walpole as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

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Jeremy Price

Reviewed 15 Apr 2023, 5:41pm

Beautiful walk through the trees and rock formations. Last accent is steep and will get the heart pumping but not very long. Family with young girls did it no trouble. Wonderful views.
Drew Graham

Reviewed 17 Dec 2020, 10:50am

The trail description is spot on; lots of steps, a couple of ladders and amazing views. There is also a loop trail that follows the base of the massive granite domed peak which is worth walking.
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Marco Zecca

Reviewed 31 Jan 2017, 11:18pm

The walk is short but steep in the last section with steps.
Nice view from the top, the tower is still operative in the summer months.

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