Mount Frankland, known as Caldyanup to the local Aboriginal peoples, has a lookout at the summit which is spectacular. The hike is achievable for anyone with relatively good stamina. Starting at the feet of massive karri trees you wind up and through towards the top of the towering canopy... and beyond, arriving at the pinnacle and an amazing view!

The Summit Trail

A short yet relatively steep sealed path takes you half way to the top of Mt Frankland where you will find the start of the stairs. This paved section takes you approximately half way to the top.

This path (below) is the start of the summit walk...

Is Mount Frankland a strenuous climb?

Several of the guide books called this a "strenuous climb." It took my son (5) and I less than thirty minutes to hike up and twenty minutes to walk down. We did not stop along the way.

During our second visit, my wife and younger son joined us. They both agreed that it was a hike, but it was easy, fun and quite an adventure. Again this year we brought Grampa (Grandfather) to Mt Frankland and he enjoyed the ascent and thought it was a wonderful view from the top.

The Ascent

Walking through the towering southern forests is refreshing and relaxing. Calming and invigorating.

The Stairs

The second stage of the ascent is a path of stone steps rising through the forest taking you up into the tops of the trees.

This stone step path is about one quarter of the hike.

You then come to the steel staircase/ladder carrying you up onto the upper level of Mt Frankland. The rails and rungs of these stairs are well built and have great traction. Be aware of letting children climb on their own. We recommend following closely behind them.

The Ladder

Finally after quite a few steps you will reach the top of the stair/ladder. Then along a fenced walkway and you're at the summit...

The Fence

Continue up the path on cement stairs embedded into the rock, along the fence. You are almost at the sumit.

Facing back down the pathway...

The Summit

There is a lookout tower atop Mount Frankland that is manned regularly by fire-spotters and rangers. The top of Mount Frankland is fenced. Ensure you stay within the fenced area at all times. At the sumit there is a metal engraved circular plaque that will define the surrounding landmarks for you.

Walpole Wilderness

On the way back down, the views across to Mt Lindsay and Mt Roe give an awesome sense of scale. The hike to the summit and back down is filled with amazing views of the Walpole Wilderness Area.

At this point you can descend the mountain and be back in the carpark within a short space of time. For the more physically fit, try a walk around the summit in the Summit Loop, however this is a HIKE not a walk, so be prepared. The loop trail leads around Mount Frankland, through an unpaved and undulating path around the mountain. Proper hiking attire is essential.

Southern Forests of Western Australia

In October the trail is an amazing rainbow of colour with wildflowers blooming and growing. The smells are amazing.

Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland Map

Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below.

What's on the map? These are the locations plotted above:

Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Walk amongst the towering Karri trees around Mount Frankland. Visit Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland

Mount Frankland Videos:

Walpole and surrounds:

Walpole Town
At the northern edge of the Walpole Inlet, Walpole is one of the few towns on the path of the Bibbulmun Track. Visit Walpole Town

Walpole Regional Map
Map of the Walpole Region including places to visit and National Parks. Visit Walpole Regional Map

Knoll Scenic Drive
A five kilometre circular drive on the peninsula between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. A distinctly well-kept rest area with picnic tables & toilets. Visit Knoll Scenic Drive

Stay in Walpole
An inspiring selection of quality accommodation of all types. Friendly service. Choose from a variety of great accommodation in and around Walpole, WA. Find Accommodation in Walpole! Visit Stay in Walpole

Other attractions in the Mount Frankland National Park:

Walpole Town
At the northern edge of the Walpole Inlet, Walpole is one of the few towns on the path of the Bibbulmun Track. Visit Walpole Town

Mount Frankland
Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland

Fernhook Falls
Located along the Deep River Fernhook Falls is a popular swimming and picnic spot in summer, and during winter is a truly magnificent sight! Visit Fernhook Falls

Mount Frankland National Park Map
Mount Frankland National Park Map including Rockwood Trail and Fernhook Falls Visit Mount Frankland National Park Map

Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Walk amongst the towering Karri trees around Mount Frankland. Visit Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland

Wilderness Lookout
From the Mount Frankland car park you will find signs for the Wilderness Lookout, and easy walk with grand views over the Wilderness Area. Visit Wilderness Lookout