Where is Frankland River?

Frankland River is located:
360 km south of Perth
90 km north east of Manjimup
135 km north west of Albany

What is Frankland River like?

Frankland River is a small, quiet town with a population of approximately 100 people.

The township overlooks an attractive valley and is a well-kept and quiet settlement. Only 3 1/2 hours drive from Perth, Frankland River provides many professional people with a haven from the bustle of city life and also a peaceful retirement prospect for older couples.

Frankland River has long been associated with quality production of wool, beef and grain. The river, local lakes and plentiful native bushlands provide varied wildlife and flora habitats. Many species of orchids and fragrant boronia are just some of the delights to be found.

Since the 1970s the name Frankland River has been increasingly associated with premium wine production and the olive industry is also making its mark on the area.
 
The local Development Group takes an active interest in the promotion and progress of the area and has been responsible for bringing new industries and facilities to Frankland. Many community groups are active within the town.

There are limited services in Frankland River. There is a general store with liquor available, telecentre and caravan park.

A little bit of history

Frankland River was named by Thomas Braidwood Wilson in 1829. Wilson explored Albany’s hinterland while his ship, the Governor Phillip, was being repaired. He named Frankland River and Mount Frankland after George Frankland, who was the Surveyor General in Van Diemen's Land in 1829. Wilson's explorations showed that conditions were suitable for farming and settlers soon began to move inland. The area was first settled in 1857.
John Hassell, a retired sea captain, was responsible for opening up extensive areas in the south of the State during the 1850s. He owned large flocks of sheep, which needed the constant attention of shepherds, as the only fences in existence were post-and-rail.
Many of the shepherds drove their flocks into the Frankland area, which has many small creeks surrounded by natural pasture that provided good feed in the autumn, winter and spring. The permanent waters of the Frankland and Gordon Rivers, and lakes such as Nunijup and Poorarecup also made the area attractive during summer.
Frankland River was one of the many districts to benefit from the completion of the Great Southern Railway in 1889. Although the line actually went through Cranbrook (47 km away) timber workers in the Frankland area were kept busy supplying railway sleepers for the line. Settlement of the district expanded when some of these men took up land in the area.
The State Government set aside land for the townsite by 1909 and built a hall and a school. No further developments took place for some time and the townsite was not declared until 1947 when the town began to expand with the influx of war veterans following World War II.

Frankland River links

Shire of Cranbrook