Major city · Australia
Franklin
Stay 1 night, or pass through in 2–3 hours: the Wooden Boat Centre (10:00–16:00) plus a riverside walk is the whole town.Stay 1 night, or pass through in 2–3 hours: the Wooden Boat Centre (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) plus a riverside walk is the whole town.
Franklin is a one-street riverside town on the Huon River, 45 km southwest of Hobart and 7 km past Huonville. It is a stop, not a base: the Wooden Boat Centre, a Federation-era hall and a handful of cafés fill half a day. Most travellers sleep in Huonville or Cygnet and drive through, or use Franklin as a quiet first or last night on the Huon loop.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (walking season); Feb–Mar for orchards and warm river days
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days); snow possible in the highlands any month
- Airport
- HBA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Franklin000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance (national)000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Franklin, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA very safe small town; the real risks are the drive (wildlife and logging trucks at dusk), summer bushfire and cold, wet weather any month.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance (national)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHBA Hobart Airport (About 55 km (34 mi); hire car is the practical option, roughly 50–60 min via the Southern Outlet and Huon Highway (A6).).HBA Hobart Airport (About 34 mi (55 km); hire car is the practical option, roughly 50–60 min via the Southern Outlet and Huon Highway (A6).).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk: the Wooden Boat Centre, the Palais and the cafés sit within about 400 m of each other on the Huon Highway.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Museum or sight ticketWooden Boat Centre entrycheck
- Budget bedFarm stay or self-contained cottage (up to 4), a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedB&B or cottage double, a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedB&B or cottage double, a night, per roomA$250 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$250 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart Airport (About 55 km (34 mi); hire car is the practical option, roughly 50–60 min via the Southern Outlet and Huon Highway (A6).)HBA Hobart Airport (About 34 mi (55 km); hire car is the practical option, roughly 50–60 min via the Southern Outlet and Huon Highway (A6).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jul
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Aug
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Sep
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jul (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Franklin: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jul
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Aug
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is small enough to walk: the Wooden Boat Centre, the Palais and the cafés sit within about 400 m of each other on the Huon Highway. Everything else in the Huon needs a car; there is no useful local bus service for visitors.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Huonville
goDoor to door: About 10 min
Drive the Huon Highway (A6) northeast, 7 km (4.3 mi)Drive the Huon Highway (A6) northeast, 4.3 mi (7 km)
Supermarket, fuel and the valley's main services; pair with a riverside walk.
Door to door: About 25 min
Drive south on the A6 then the Cygnet Coast Road, about 20 km (12 mi)Drive south on the A6 then the Cygnet Coast Road, about 12 mi (20 km)
Village cafés, galleries and farm gates; good half-day with lunch.
Geeveston
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive south on the A6, about 20 km (12 mi)Drive south on the A6, about 12 mi (20 km)
Forest and timber heritage, plus the gateway to the Hartz Mountains and the Tahune airwalk.
Southport
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive south on the A6 through Geeveston and Dover, about 60 km (37 mi)Drive south on the A6 through Geeveston and Dover, about 37 mi (60 km)
Tasmania's southernmost road point; a long day out, better as an overnight if you continue.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Huon Highway strip (Franklin)
The town's only real accommodation: a small B&B and self-contained cottages on or just off the main road. Book ahead in summer.
Huonville (7 km northeast)
The regional centre: more beds, a supermarket, fuel and banks. Better for two or more nights.
Cygnet (about 20 km south)
Village guesthouses and farm stays; quieter, food-led, a short drive from Franklin.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or cottage double1 × 1 night × A$150 | A$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Hire car, one day (small SUV)1 × A$90 · check | A$90 |
| Fuel, Hobart return via the Huon loop1 × A$35 · check | A$35 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$63 |
| Trip total≈ A$344 per person per day, bed included | A$688≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Café lunch (soup, toastie, seafood basket) | A$15–28 (≈ US$10–19) |
| Wooden Boat Centre entry | check |
| Bottle of local cider or wine | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No fuel, no supermarket and no bank in Franklin: fill up and stock up in Huonville.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in the Huon Valley; download maps before you leave Hobart.
- Rural roads carry logging trucks and wildlife at dusk: avoid driving the A6 after dark if you can.
- Bushfire risk peaks in summer (Dec–Feb): check the Tasmania Fire Service warnings before any valley drive.
- Many cafés close early and some shut one or two weekdays: check hours the day before.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance (national)
- 000
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
FranklinFranklin
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
3333 Huon Highway, Franklin TAS 7113To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
Embassy
No consulates in the Huon Valley; most embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart → Franklin by car: about 45 km (28 mi), 50–60 min via the Southern Outlet and A6 (check)about 28 mi (45 km), 50–60 min via the Southern Outlet and A6 (check)
- Franklin → Huonville: about 7 km (4.3 mi), 10 minabout 4.3 mi (7 km), 10 min
- Hobart Airport → Franklin: about 55 km (34 mi), 50–60 min by hire car (check)about 34 mi (55 km), 50–60 min by hire car (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
Tipping is not expected in Australia; round up for good service if you like.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Franklin. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (walking season); Feb–Mar for orchards and warm river days · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days); snow possible in the highlands any month · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HBA: hire-car pickup times, last sensible departure for the Huon, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Wooden Boat Centre, Palais and highway strip, river foreshore, Huonville services.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Wooden Boat Centre, Palais Theatre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Bushfire and hostile-weather fixtures so the valley gates can go green.
Sources
Ask about Franklin
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