Add to favoritesFarm On Franklin is a Hip Camp farm stay. You Camp is a place where farmers & land owners open up there property for campers to enjoy.
Located in the north of Tasmania 28 km from Devonport, camping is along the Franklin Rivulet, a tidal estuary. We chose to spend two weeks here over the Christmas and new year period. Most seem stay for a night or two but as we have a couple of water tanks and solar we were fine for longer.
Sarah & Mark have been turning part of there 50 acres of land into a place that others can come and enjoy. While developing their environmentally friendly family farm. They welcome families, pets and respectful campers.
The road in is about 1.5 km of graded dirt road, 2wd is fine. Narrow in parts but plenty wide enough for a caravan. We do not have an off road van and are a total length of 14 meters (Van & Ute) and got in fine.
Sarah or Mark messaged before hand, to find out what time you will be arriving. This is a good idea as on some sections of the road you don’t want to be passing anyone.
You emerge by the owners property, then you see the open space of the camp. Surrounded by trees on two sides and the estuary on the other.
You can choose a wide open space, tuck yourself in near the trees or over looking the water. We chose to over look the water. You have the choice of shade from the trees but as we wanted to top up our solar when possible we parked in a more sunny spot.
As they themselves say, Farm On Franklin is a natural campsite with no bells and whistles yet. It’s still in the development phase. Consequently you should have your own toilet, shower and leave no trace. It is a little rough around the edges if you were to put a magnifying glass on it. You will see farm machinery & wood etc by the house, but hey, this is a farm, it’s what you expect!
The land you park on is somewhat undulating with some flat spots. The whole area is a bit dry at the moment. Tasmania seems to have missed the memo that it’s meant to rain a lot.
We all love a fire pit and Farm On Franklin have a cracker. Overlooking the estuary is a communal fire pit. Mark and Sarah bring the wood and the twinkly lights. You just sit around, toast marsh mellows and enjoy. For personal fires a wheelbarrow is provided for you to load, at a small cost.
When the tide is in, the Franklin Rivulet is a lovely place to be. Grab your kayak or paddle board and head for the water. You will find oysters on the opposite bank and we have been told fishing can be good. We had a go at kayaking on Christmas day and had a great time. They hire Kayak’s out if you don’t have your own. By the jetty they also have a rustic old picnic table you can have a picnic at.
Farm On Franklin sell their own pork sausages which you can buy. As well as other products, so I noticed on their Facebook Page (here). One of which is leg of ham. I can highly recommend it, as we were given one as a Christmas gift and it didn’t last long 😀 You can also get fresh herbs and free range bush chook eggs if they have them.
Sarah, Mark and their extended family have 3 dogs between them. They might come by for a visit if you are happy to have them over. They wont go inside your van but they might sit by your feet for a short time.
Chooks roam around freely on the extensive property as do the geese. Their 3 dogs leave them alone and if you are bringing your dog, yours should too.
On the second week we were here, they moved the pigs down to near the camping area. Now I know these pigs are farm pigs and will one day be pork on a fork, but, they are great to see, watch and scratch.
As with Hagley RV Farm Stay, we used Farm On Franklin as our base to see the surrounding areas. You are only fifteen minutes to the beautiful beaches of Port Sorell & Narawutapu National Park, 25 minutes to Devonport and 1hr to Launceston, Oh’ and 1.5 hours to Cradle Mountain.
Narawutapu National Park – a short drive to a beautiful long sandy beach and orange lichen covered rocks
Port Sorell – More beautiful sandy beaches and picnic areas only a fifteen minute drive away
House of Anvers Chocolate – try not to drool as you free taste test the chocolates and fudge. Look through the glass as they make the chocolates and have some lunch in the cafe. Don’t forget to buy some yummy stuff on the way out.
Reliquaire Toy Shop in Latrobe – Little and big kids will absolutely love this place. From little games to full size nights armour and books.
Beaconsfield Mine & Museum – Take a step back in time with interactive pieces of history. As well as the more recent history of the mine collapsing due to an earthquake in 2006. Trapping Brant Webb, Todd Russell and sadly killing Larry Night.
A cute little village with a hint of the Swiss. Have a game of mini golf or have a paddle around the lake. Feed the ducks or feed yourself. The restaurant has lovely food or try the bakery.
George Town & Low Head – See the lighthouse and the views and spot a penguin as you walk around. Pop by and have a look at the wood carvings and silo art at George town on the way through.
See some, if not all of the 130 wall art paintings around town. The town also has lot’s of cafe’s and quirky antiques shop
Lookout Over Narawutapu National Park – Drive to the lookout at Griffiths Point and see Narawutapu from above. A great swimming beach is also here.
Sarah and Mark are generous hosts. Inviting us to Christmas and New Year with there friends, family. Also, Brian and Julie other campers here for New year. If you want to experience a nights or a weeks on a You Camp farm give Farm On Franklin a try.
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