Things to do

• Wooden Boat Centre
• Palais Theatre
• Walk along the Huon River

Franklin is a small township set on the Huon River. The town mixes charming historic buildings and is well known for their thriving maritime traditions.The historical town is home to the Wooden Boat Centre. A boat building school is dedicated to preserving the traditional craft of wooden boat building. If you have time you can set sail aboard the historic fishing ketch Kerrawyn or on a 1948 Tasmanian -built motor cruiser with Huon River Cruises.

The Huon Valley’s rich apple-growing heritage lives on in nearby cideries and roadside fruit stands. We took advantage of this and stocked up on apples and veggies mainly pumpkin and sweet potatoes.

The Palais Theatre which is located on the main road is a lovely example of federation-style architecture ands hosts a range of events.

Dover

Dover is the southernmost town of its size in Australia. Located on the western shores towards the southern end of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and just south of Huon. This town is an ideal base for exploring Tasmania’s Wilderness Heritage Area.

The nearby Hartz Mountains National Park offers a range of walks with amazing views of remote mountain ranges. We drove through this town so did not get a chance to explore. Located right on the water well worth a visit.

Cockle Creek

Cockle Creek is the most southern point in Tasmania. It is located on Recherche Bay on the edge of the Southwest National Park . The drive out to the beach is quite challenging as the roads can turn to mud very quickly when it rains. We did not have the van with us but take it easy and go slow. When you arrive out to the National Park it is well worth the drive in. The beaches are white and the water is crystal clear. Historically the indigenous people valued the region for the seals, shellfish and bush hunting.

The region provided and important port of call for ships transferring convicts to Sarah Island Penal Colony in Macquarie Harbour. When the sealers,whalers and loggers came to town between 1822-1834 the settlement had more than 2000 people which is grand for this era.

There are a number of free camping spots with in the bay and recreation area. Once you find your little slice of paradise enjoy the walks along the beaches and national park hikes. Before you arrive ensure you have purchased a national parks pass from the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife website.

There are no shops or services which is an absolute favourite place to come if you want to get away and enjoy being remote.

They provide bush toilets dotted throughout the bay but there are no shower or cooking facilities. Enjoy the peace and tranquility this place has to offer.