Mount Frankland National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Walpole Wilderness. Established in 2004, the Walpole Wilderness is an important component of an international biodiversity hotspot.
The area protects old-growth karri and jarrah forests, wetlands, threatened ecological communities and endemic flora and fauna.
History
Mount Frankland and the Walpole Wilderness are the traditional lands of the Minang Aboriginal people of the Noongar Nation. The Aboriginal name for Mount Frankland is Caldyanup, and this ancient land is recognised for its visual and aesthetic appeal and rich Aboriginal heritage.
In the early 1900s, Minister for Lands and Agriculture James Mitchell visited this area with a view towards development in the south-west.
On a trip to Monastery Landing on the Frankland River, he was so impressed by the beauty of the river and the surrounding forest that he made an on-the-spot decision to set aside the area for conservation.
Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Photo – Bron Anderson/DBCA
Things to do
Enjoy the easy, universally accessible walk to the Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout, or take the more challenging hike to the summit of Mount Frankland for uninterrupted 360-degree views across the Walpole Wilderness.
The Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout takes in vast areas of karri, tingle and jarrah forest, treeless heathland and distant granite peaks. The path to this lookout curves around the side of Little Mount Frankland and takes visitors to a vantage point high above the forest floor.
The Caldyanup Trail circumnavigates the base of Mount Frankland allowing a closer look at the intricacies of the granite environment. The Caldyanup Lookout provides expansive views of the Walpole Wilderness and a safe way across the granite without disturbing the delicate mosses and lichens that grow there.
Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the forest or explore Mount Frankland by following one of the various walking trails on offer. Whether climbing to the summit, or enjoying the Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout, there are many photographic opportunities available.
Visitor rest spot among the trees. Photo – DBCA
Mount Frankland is a fantastic place to visit all-year-round. The forest provides a cool, shady picnic spot during the warmer months and the park comes alive with colourful wildflowers in late winter, spring and early summer.
Munda Biddi Trail cyclists can access Mount Frankland via a spur trail. Keen riders may choose to use the Mount Frankland car park as a base to explore other sections of the trail further afield.
Camping is not permitted at Mount Frankland. The nearest campground is located 20 kilometres west at Fernhook Falls.
Accessible lookout platform at Mount Frankland. Michael Hemmings - Photo
The incredible Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout is a drawcard for visitors to the south-west of Australia, offering 360-views of the Walpole Wilderness. Mount Frankland National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Walpole Wilderness, famous for its tall tingle and karri trees.
