Franklin Forest Walk

Just 7 kilometres from Franklin, this mixed wet eucalypt forest offers tall Eucalyptus regnans, fern gullies and a notable stand of leatherwood. It sits on the traditional, never-ceded lands of the Melukerdee people. Managed and tagged by the volunteer group Friends of Franklin Forest, the tracks give a gentle taste of Huon Valley bush without needing a full day or specialist gear. Expect birdsong, fungi after rain, and the hush of a shaded creek gully.

Track Notes

• The Loop Track – 1.5 km (easy), ~1 hr. Uneven terrain; begins through 2019 regrowth, crosses Castle Forbes Rivulet via bridge, then completes a circuit that returns to the bridge. Follow yellow tags.
• The Mill Track – ~2 hrs return (moderate). Leaves the Loop Track; passes tall swamp gums to the historic McMullen’s Mill site with boiler and other remnants; return the same way.
• Tramway – ~30 min side trip from the mill site. Flat section with giant swamp gums (some with large burls), traces of tramway buildings and scattered artefacts; rejoin the Mill Track.
• The Gully Track – ~2 hrs return (moderate). Leaves the Loop Track into a lush, never-logged gully with huge tree ferns along the creek; return the way you came.

Getting There

From Franklin, drive up New Road through the clear-felled area (don’t turn right). After crossing Castle Forbes Rivulet, turn right and follow the road. As it descends, look for an old access road on the right signed “Forest Walks.” Park on the roadside or in that old access. The tagged track begins down the old access road (~20 m) before a path left into regrowth forest. Mobile reception is patchy–save directions offline before you leave Franklin.

Difficulty, Access & Facilities

Tracks range from easy to moderate with uneven and sometimes slippery terrain; expect occasional fallen logs. Access is via dirt road, suitable for 2WD in dry conditions (slow driving recommended). There are no facilities on site–the closest toilets, cafés and shops are in Franklin. Dogs must be on a lead.

Safety & Planning

These tracks aren’t council-maintained. Check conditions and fire alerts before you go, carry water and a small first-aid kit, and wear sturdy footwear. Forestry activity may occur on weekdays–weekends are quieter. Save an offline map to your phone and practice Leave No Trace.