Franklin, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids FranklinTasmania |
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 Franklin
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 444 (2021 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 7113 |
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10) |
| • Summer (DST) | AEDT (UTC+11) |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Huon Valley Council |
| State electorate(s) | Franklin |
| Federal Division(s) | Franklin |
Franklin is a small town located in the south-east of Tasmania. It sits on the western side of the Huon River. You can find it between the towns of Huonville and Geeveston. In 2021, about 444 people lived in Franklin.
A Look Back at Franklin's History
Franklin got its name from Sir John Franklin and his wife, Lady Jane Franklin. They were important figures in Tasmania's early days. The Franklins wanted to help families who didn't have much money. They divided up a large piece of land for these families to settle.
To connect Franklin with Hobart, the Franklins had a special boat built. It was a ketch named Huon Pine. This boat helped people and goods travel easily between the two places. The local post office has also changed its name over time. It opened as "Huon Post Office" in 1848. Then it became "Franklin-Huon" in 1853, and finally "Franklin" in 1878.
Franklin's Changing Industries
In its early days, Franklin was known for growing different crops. Farmers especially grew potatoes and other vegetables. By the late 1800s, Franklin became a major area for growing apples. Many orchards covered the land around the town.
However, in the 1970s, Tasmania's fruit export business faced problems. This caused the apple industry in Franklin to decline. After that, the region went back to mixed farming. This means farmers grew a variety of crops and raised different animals.
From Busy Port to Quiet Town and Back Again
Until the 1930s, Franklin was the most important town in the Huon Valley. It was a very busy place because many ships docked at its jetties. Franklin had its own Court House, which is now a gourmet cafe. It also had several hotels, banks, and a Town Hall. The Town Hall is now the beautiful Palais Theatre.
Franklin even had its own power station. This station used water from a local creek to make electricity. But then, a better road was built over the Sleeping Beauty Range mountains. Also, the nearby town of Huonville started to grow. Because of these changes, Franklin became quieter over the next few decades.
Recently, Franklin has become popular again. It is now a favorite spot for tourists. Many people from bigger Australian cities have moved there. These "seachangers" are looking for a slower pace of life. They often want a nice place to raise their children. Their arrival has helped to bring new life to the town. Much of the old Franklin still remains, showing its rich history.
