LOCATION
| Franklin is a town of approximately 800 residents situated on the Huon River only 35 minutes drive south of Hobart, and a 60 minutes drive from Hobart airport. It was a significant township during the 19th century when river traffic was more important than the roads. Franklin was renowned for growing and exporting apples and other fruits, and the export of fruit to Europe continued right through to the first half of the 20th century.When the European Common Market was formed, Tasmania’s export industry suffered, and during the 70’s Franklin’s fortunes were at a low point. However, the district still grows and exports fruit, but Franklin no longer relies on apples or the river for its trade. AttractionsAs a historic town, Franklin still has some significant buildings such as the Palais Theatre, the Bowmont Centre and our Methodist Church. This historic status is increasingly important for visitors and tourists. Others come to Franklin for the rowing, which has been a significant activity for decades. Regattas can on occasion bring large numbers of visitors to the town for a few days.
More recently, The Wooden Boat Centre and the Living Boat Trust have added life to the town, and gradually the Huon River is regaining the heritage of its boatbuilding past, even if the boats are not destined to ship apples back to the British Isles. In the last decade various types of accommodation and cafes have also started to establish themselves to cater for a developing tourist industry. Village Antiques is the most recent addition to Franklin’s attractions Huonville is the regional centre, and is just five minutes drive north of Franklin. It has banks, a library and various shops, and importantly, the Huon Environment Centre. This centre functions as an important meeting place for those concerned with environmental issues, particularly those connected to the protection of old growth forests.
Climate Franklin has a temperate climate with good rainfall. Summers are generally warm to hot and are drier than the winter months when log fires keep most houses warm. There are no polluting industries between the Huon Valley and Antarctica, where the prevailing weather comes from. Many Tasmanians also value the extensive wilderness areas and places of natural beauty. As an escape from the heat of January and February, mainlanders visit Franklin and camp down by the Huon River in their camper vans and caravans. They can enjoy the relatively traffic free roads of the Huon trail and other parts of Southern Tasmania. There are also many festivals at this time of year, so there is always plenty to do, and places to see on long, benign summer evenings with relatively low rainfall. Tasmania is also a great place to come and visit during the cold European and North American winters as some of the most pleasant months in Tasmania are from December through to April. Snow on the mountains in July-October gives yet another reason to visit Tasmania, and the snow capped peaks of the Hartz Mountains make for a great walking experience. |
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