Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Introducing Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Saved from hydroelectric immersion in the 1980s, this World Heritage–listed national park embraces the catchment areas of the Franklin and Olga Rivers and part of the Gordon River – all exceptional rafting, bushwalking and climbing areas. The park’s snow-capped summit is Frenchmans Cap (1443m; a challenging three- to five-day walk). The park also boasts a number of unique plant species and the major indigenous Australian archaeological site at Kutikina Cave.

Much of the park consists of deep river gorges and impenetrable rainforest, but the Lyell Hwy traverses its northern end. There are a handful of short walks starting from the highway, including hikes to Nelson Falls (20 minutes return), and Donaghys Hill (40 minutes return) from where you can see the Franklin River and the sky-high white quartzite dome of Frenchmans Cap.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009