Franklin River

river, Australia

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The Franklin River is a significant river located in western Tasmania, Australia, flowing through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. This park is part of the larger Tasmanian Wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Franklin River is known for its spectacular gorges and is a popular destination for activities like rafting, camping, and hiking.12

The river's watershed is ecologically rich, supporting diverse wildlife such as the Tasmanian devil and flora like Huon pine and myrtle beech. Prehistoric tools have also been excavated from Kutakina Cave near the Franklin River's confluence with the Gordon River. The Franklin River's environmental significance was highlighted during a major conservation controversy in the early 1980s, which led to the prevention of further dam construction on the river.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

the Greens
…below its confluence with the Franklin River. When the UTG dissolved in 1979, TWS leader Bob Brown launched a nationwide “No Dams” campaign against the initiative, turning public opinion against further hydroelectric development in southwest Tasmania. The Franklin was permanently protected with the creation of a national park in 1981,…
Read More
…below its confluence with the Franklin River. When the UTG dissolved in 1979, TWS leader Bob Brown launched a nationwide “No Dams” campaign against the initiative, turning public opinion against further hydroelectric development in southwest Tasmania. The Franklin was permanently protected with the creation of a national park in 1981,…
Read More