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.

Track Notes

• The Loop Track — 1.5 km (easy), ~1 hr. Uneven terrain; begins through 2019 regrowth, crosses Castle Forbes Rivulet via bridge, then 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 remains; return the same way.
• Tramway — ~30 min side trip from the mill site. Flat section with giant swamp gums (with burls), remnants 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.

Difficulty, Access & Facilities

Tracks range from easy to moderate with uneven and sometimes slippery terrain; expect fallen logs in places. Access is via dirt road, suitable for 2WD. Closest toilets, cafés and services are in Franklin. Dogs must be on a lead.

Safety & Planning

Mobile reception can be limited. These tracks aren’t council-maintained. Bring water, check conditions and fire alerts before you go:
TasALERT, Tasmanian Fire Service, Bureau of Meteorology, and Parks & Wildlife – Safety in Parks. Practice Leave No Trace.