Franklin (Tasmania)

Franklin is a small town of 444 (2021) in the Huon and Far South region of Southern Tasmania. The quiet riverside town sits along the western banks of the Huon River about 7 km southwest of Huonville, the regional centre of the Huon.

Boats on the Huon River

The Huon River is about 800 metres wide around Franklin, but with the long-but-narrow Egg Islands in the middle. The islands aren't easily visitable, but the isolation from predators has made it a haven for Tasmanian nativehens.

The primary means of getting into Franklin is via the Huon Highway (A6) from Huonville. From the northeast, Franklin is 7 km from Huonville, 34 km from Kingston, and 45 km from Hobart (via the Southern Outlet). The highway is relatively straight from Huonville onwards and has one lane each way with a shoulder.

The town is small enough to be navigable on foot.

• 🌍 The Wooden Boat Centre - Tasmania, 3333 Huon Hwy, ☏ +61 3 6266 3586, info@woodenboatcentre.com. Daily 10AM–4PM. This museum contains a mid-sized collection of hand-crafted wooden boats, all made locally along the banks of the Huon River, making it a great place to learn about Tasmania's maritime history. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Palais Theatre, 3388 Huon Hwy, ☏ +61 455 568 965. While its main purpose is being a hire venue, it's one of the town's main attractions due to its Federation architecture. (updated Mar 2023)

• 🌍 Aqua Grill Café, 3419 Huon Hwy, ☏ +61 3 6266 3682, aquagrillcafe@gmail.com. A local seafood cafe. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Blue River Cafe, 3378 Huon Hwy, ☏ +61 437 509 200. (updated Mar 2023)
• 🌍 Huon's Little Treasure Cafe & Restaurant, 3422 Huon Hwy, ☏ +61 3 6266 3328. A Thai restaurant with local wine and cider. (updated Mar 2023)

• 🌍 Cottage On Main, 3420 Huon Hwy, ☏ +61 410 663 040 (mobile), +61 3 6266 3040 (landline), info@cottageonmain.com. Warm and cozy B&B. $100–150 per night. (updated Mar 2023)