Franklin
Set on the Huon River, Franklin mixes charming historic buildings with thriving maritime traditions.
The oldest town in the Huon Valley, Franklin is home to the Wooden Boat Centre, a boat-building school dedicated to preserving the traditional craft of wooden boat building. Take a tour, or book ahead to construct your own craft – a kayak, a dinghy, or perhaps a set of oars.
The Huon Valley’s rich apple-growing heritage lives on in nearby cideries and roadside fruit stands selling fresh local apples and pears.
In town, the Palais Theatre is a lovely example of Federation-style architecture and hosts a range of events, including the Franklin Market, held on the fourth Sunday of each month, and screenings of classic movies on the first Sunday of the month.
Petty Sessions Cafe and Gallery
Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Wooden Boat Centre
Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne
Wooden Boat Centre
Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne
Boats moored on the Huon River at Franklin
Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Where
Franklin is a 40min drive (45km) south-west of Hobart.
Insider tips
- Set sail on the Huon River aboard the historic fishing ketch Kerrawyn or on a 1948 Tasmanian-built motor cruiser with Huon River Cruises.
- Explore the riverbank on the short Franklin Landcare boardwalk.
