Franklin is located along the banks of the Huon River, to the south west of Hobart in southern Tasmania. First records note that William Nicholls took up land at Nicholls Rivulet in 1835, and nearby Franklin was designated as a settlement site in 1836 when John Price was granted 645 acres of land.

This land was transferred to Lady Franklin, the wife of the then Governor, the following year. Another landowner in the area was John Clarke who owned 100 acres in north Franklin. He later purchased additional land on the east side of the river, and planted what was to become the embryo of a flourishing timber industry in the area. A flour mill was also located on his estate.

A canal was dredged through Egg Island allowing barges from Hobart to load and unload supplies and timber for transportation to the north. Soon Franklin grew in importance and became one of the most prosperous settlements in the region.

However, the decline of waterways as a means of transport led to Huonville assuming the mantle of "capital" of the Huon Valley region.

Visitors to the town will marvel at the historic 19th century atmosphere the settlement has managed to retain. The town derives its name from Governor Sir John Franklin who owned land in the area. Timber getting and milling were the early economic mainstays in the town during its infancy, with Huon Pine trees floated downstream from the logging forests to Franklin.

Today, Franklin is better known for its dairy farms and orchards. The Huon River which used to be a floating highway of pine logs, is now an international class rowing course.


Franklin is a quiet hamlet with an historic atmosphere, underlined by its remaining historic buildings, such as the Franklin Tavern (1853) and the two beautiful bank buildings now serving other purposes.

A variety of arts and crafts stores, antique shops and restaurants line the streets providing visitors with a pleasant distraction for a few hours. The Huon Showcase has crafts and souvenirs for sale as well as a tearoom. It is located along the Huon Highway, phone (002) 66 3260.

A regular occurrence is the Sunday Lunch Market, where visitors can mingle with the locals as they search for that hidden treasure or enjoy the sounds of the local live entertainment.

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