FRANKLAND

DESCRIPTION

 

Frankland or Frankland River, is a small town located north west of Mount Barker. It is one of the many 'one horse' towns scattered around the south west and although it does have a caravan facility there really isn't a great deal to see or do in town.

 

The area around the town produces olive oil, organic produce, raspberries and cool climate wines.

 

HISTORY

 

The town takes its name from the nearby river that was named by Dr. Thomas Wilson in 1829 after the Surveyor General of Tasmania, George Frankland. During his exploration of the area Wilson climbed (and named) Mt. Lindesay. From the summit he noted three other large hills which he named after the Surveyors General in each colony of Australia (Roe in W.A, Mitchell in N.S.W and Frankland in Tasmania.)

 

Land was set aside for a town in 1909 and a school was built but development was slow in coming. The town site was not gazetted until 1947. The Name Frankland River was used until 1935 when it was shortened to just Frankland. The full name seems to be back in vogue again as the local government website appears to be using it again.

 

Early settlers grazed sheep in the area but little developed until after World War II.

 

TALL TALES AND TRUE

 

Name too long for sign

 

The story goes that the local postmaster shortened the name of Frankland River to just Frankland in 1935 because he had a sign post that wasn't long enough to properly accommodate the full name.

 

MAP

 

 

VIDEO

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(c) Destination WA

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ATTRACTIONS

 

Frankland  River, Mount Frankland.

 

BUILDINGS OF NOTE

 

Unknown

 

ELECTORAL ZONES

 

State : Blackwood-Stirling

Federal : O'Connor

 

OTHER INFO.

 

Postcode : 6396

Local Government : Shire of Cranbrook

 

PHOTOS

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