Franklin to Triabunna

Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Sun 21 Feb 2016 19:03

Sunday 21st February 2016

 

Today’s drive would take us 173 kms north, out of the Huon Valley, through Hobart to Triabunna on the east coast.  On the way we stopped at Franklin, a small town on the banks of the Huon River which has a long history of boat building.  In the days when people and goods travelled by ship, Franklin, then known as “The Settlement” was the transport hub of the Huon Valley.   Jetties lined the river banks, and river boats were loaded there with local produce – apples, potatoes and flour - together with timber, for passage to Hobart. 

 

These days other transport methods have taken over from the ships, but Franklin’s boat-building heritage is reflected in the boat-building school at the Wooden Boat Centre on the riverbank.  We took a guided tour which we found very interesting.  I loved the smell and smooth feel of the wood, and the way each piece was worked to fit perfectly with the next.  In another life I could have happily been a carpenter.

 

               

The Wooden Boat Centre                                                                                              New boat in progress

 

               

Renovation work.

 

               

Wormy wood?

 

               

The Yukon, a wooden sailing yacht will take you for a sail up the river.  A beautiful day, but not much wind to fill the sails.

 

Back on the road, our drive gave us great views over the Derwent River estuary towards Hobart.

 

               

 

Once over the bridge in Hobart, we picked up a road we were familiar with from the beginning of this trip, and it reminded us that we were nearly at the end of what has been a wonderful exploration of Tasmania.  Tonight we will stay in Triabunna, from where we will take a boat ride out to Maria Island in the morning, our last port of call on this beautiful island.