Franklin is a town perched on the banks of the Huon River in southeast Tasmania, 8 km south of Huonville on the Huon Highway or Huon River. 100 years ago, when this area was thick and tall rainforest down to the water’s edge, it was the head of the navigable river and was the third largest town in Tasmania, a busy port exporitng timber and agricultural produce, especially fruit. Since roads were pushed through the forest and gulllies and especially since the bridge was built at Huonville, the town has been in decline, but steadfastly refuses to die and its history is fiercely protected by residents and it still has the charm of a bygone age.

We at the Living Boat Trust talk of the Coming Age of Sail and look forward to a resurgence in water based transport, an all too obvious alternative for a place like Tasmania. Just zoom out of the map below and look at the possibilities. No need for building expensive highways and maintaining them, we have waterways in abundance. Why frizzle yourself in traffic when you could sit back and enjoy the most magnificent scenery as you travel?

While looking at the map below, go just to the southeast of our waterside shed and see the Egg Island Canal, the oldest in Australia, just a short row across the river. if you are planning to be down this way, feel free to make contact and book a dinghy for hire to see this beautiful place for yourself.