[9] A variation of that was reported by Henry Widdowson, who wrote in 1829 that the name was derived from "its generally being covered with snow and bearing some resemblance to the shape of dress which invariably adorns the head of a French Cook".

[9] The distinctive shape of the mountain was used as a guiding beacon by many, largely unsuccessful, parties of escaping convicts as they attempted to struggle through the dense scrub of Western Tasmania to the settled districts further east.

Parks and Wildlife Service and other authorities in Tasmania give advice about the access and preparation needed – due to the changing conditions of the area.

[17] This part of the walk was historically very difficult, including two steep and prolonged ascents separated by the boggy Loddon Plains.

After walking along the shores of Lake Vera the next two hours are spent struggling up the steep inclines to Barron Pass.

Tahune #2 was completed in 1971 - a prefabricated design that slept 16 people snugly, also in two two-tier bunks and was heated by a coal fuel stove.

[20] The hut was replaced in 2018 by Tahune #3 - an architecturally designed building that boasts excellent thermal properties as well as a hydro-electric power supply.

Tahune #3 sleeps 24 people comfortably with heating provided by electric ceiling panels, this hut was also financially aided by the donations from Dick Smith.

If the weather is clear the view includes the West Coast beaches, Lake Burbury and the many peaks – such as Tasmania's tallest, Mount Ossa – in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

The walk from Irenabyss to Victoria Pass traverses rugged country and is recommended only for highly experienced hikers.

For climbers, Frenchmans Cap offers a variety of trad routes on generally sound, quartzite rock.

[25] It also features in For the Term of His Natural Life by Marcus Clarke and the non-fiction book Hell's Gates: The terrible journey of Alexander Pearce, Van Diemen's Land cannibal by Paul Collins (Hardie Grant, 2002).