Frankland, Western Australia

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[edit] Frankland

Location: Frankland is a small town located in the Australian state of Western Australia. The town is in the shire of Cranbrook and is situated approximately 360km from the capital, Perth, 42km west of the Albany Highway,83km southwest of Kojonup, 19km north of Rocky Gully and 90 km east of Manjimup. Frankland derives its name from its location 6km to the east of the Frankland River.

History Frankland, or Frankland River as it used to be known, was named by a surgeon named Doctor Thomas Braidwood Wilson in 1829. Doctor Wilson, who was on his way to Sydney, left Albany to explore the hinterland while his ship, the "Governor Phillip" was being repaired ^[1]. He named Frankland River and Mount Frankland after Sir George Frankland who was the Surveyor General in Tasmania in 1829.^[2]( Doctor Wilson's expedition proved a successful venture for the graziers of Albany. It was seen that the interior held conditions suitable for farming and it was not long after this venture by Doctor Wilson that the settlers began to move inland. The area was settled in 1857. ^[3] The town and region was known as 'Frankland River' until 1935 until the building of a post office when it is said that the postmaster shortened the name as it was considered too long to fit on signs and documents.^[4] Western Australia's first European settlement began at Albany in 1826. Gradually the pioneers set out to explore the hinterland, hoping to find areas that would be more suitable for pastoral and agricultural holdings than that of the land in the immediate vicinity of the first settlement. Originally settled by farming families in the late 1800's, following good reports from explorers to the region and due to its good soils, consistent, reliable rainfall, rivers and lakes, the land was cleared of its heavy Wandoo, Jarrah and Marri to make way for pastures for grazing and arable land for cropping. From humble beginnings as a very small town in the early 1900's, Frankland has grown with the influx of war veterans following World War Two, mill workers, shearing teams, seasonal workers on local vineyards and olive groves, townsfolk, farmers and retirees. Today there is a thriving local community, as shown in the recent building of a stone clad community centre. The Egerton-Warburtons, who took up `Yeriminup' in 1857, were one of the first families to settle in the Frankland area. They were followed by the Moirs of `Wingebellup' and `Glen Valley', shepherds for the Hassells of `Mongetup', and the Mullins of `Westfield'. A ticket-of-leave man, Anthony Walton, took up `Wonnenup' in 1862 and employed a team of convicts to build a home on the property. Typical of homes of that time, it was constructed of bricks that were made on the property, timber felled and hewn by a broadaxe and, originally, had a roof of white gum shingles. The house is still occupied by its present owners, the Weller family. John Hassell, a retired sea captain, was responsible for opening up extensive areas in the south of the State during the 1850s. He owned large flocks of sheep, which needed the constant attention of shepherds, as the only fences in existence were post-and-rail. Many of the shepherds drove their flocks into the Frankland area, which has many small creeks surrounded by natural pasture that provided good feed in the autumn, winter and spring. The permanent waters of the Frankland and Gordon Rivers, and lakes such as Nunijup and Poorarecup also made the area attractive during summer. Gradually families followed the shepherds into the area, mainly looking for land. Among the pioneering families are the Evans, Herbert, Gardiner, Nicols, Baker, Haynes, Mason, Toovey, Higgins and Gray families. Frankland was one of the many districts to benefit from the completion of the Great Southern Railway in 1889. Although the line actually went through Cranbrook (47kms away) timber workers in the Frankland area were kept busy supplying railway sleepers for the line. Settlement of the district expanded when some of these men took up land in the area. Families have come and gone from the district , but each has left its mark on the town with records of courage from service in the world wars to sporting and community involvement. This area of Western Australia is rich in heritage and tradition which comes from a very stable and richly rewarding part of the country.

Frankland has its own Heritage Trail, which explores many of the historic sites of the district. A brochure containing information and a map may be obtained from the Library in Frankland or the Cranbrook Shire office ^[5]

Education in the town was formally undertaken by the appointment of a head teacher and as there was no schoolhouse built, the first teacher was given a tent with instructions to erect it for himself to house him until further accommodation could be found. Schooling was conducted in the town hall before World War Two. The present day school is well equipped and caters for a growing number of students.

Regional activities and local attractions: The quiet country town of Frankland has an active community spirit as shown in the recent construction of a stone-clad community building. This building is recognized as a positive sign that people are building for the future as buildings in the past were of fibro sheeting, giving the town a temporary look. Other buildings in the townsite are the townhall, a Country Club, the Frankland Village shops , the General Store, a garage, a Catholic church , a Baptist Church as well as a Primary School and numerous homes. Frankland is in an 'off the main road' part of the State of Western Australia, but is very much on the map when it comes to its excellent wines, fat lambs, cattle, wool, and olive oil production.

Olive groves and Vineyards have replaced old farming land mainly to the west of the townsite. The newly developed olive oil industry is making big progress in the Frankland River area, with gold medal oils being produced from local groves. "Alkoomi", owned by the lange family was one of the first vineyards to grow and produce their own high quality red and white wines. In later years, "Ferngrove" owned by the Toovey family was sold and the original name of the farm now graces bottles of fine red and white wines that are exported world wide as well as being enjoyed locally. "Alkoomi" and "Ferngrove" both have cellar door sales and cater for the ever increasing tourist trade. "Alkoomi" wines have been seen on the shelves in Harrods of London. The owners are well known for their passion and knowledge of the best varieties of grape that can be grown in the district, to produce just the right taste for the consumer's palate. Other vineyards in the area have sprung up on pioneering family farms. The Warburton and Swiney families own land on the Frankland River itself and the hillsides near the river are covered in vines, copmpleting what is locally known as the 'golden triangle' of vineyards in the Frankland River region.

Tourism is on the increase as many people discover this picturesque pasture land and olive and vineyard covered hillsides as you drive into the Frankland River valley. The Mount Frankland National Park and Mount Frankland as well as the Frankland River are all within driving distance of the town. The standard of accommodation is however in its early days but there is a pleasant caravan and camping site in the main townstite, comfortable and well equipped chalets at both Alkoomi and Ferngrove and hotel accommodation at nearby Rocky Gully and Cranbrook. A locally run restaurant, the "Spurtle" caters for evening meals and lunches of locally grown Marron can be had on request at a local farm. Lake Poorarecup is a fresh water natural lake, east of the townsite, used for recreational watersports, swimming and camping. Lake Unicup to the west of the townsite and a short distance off the road to Manjimup is also a popular recreation spot. The river, local lakes and plentiful native bushlands provide varied wildlife and flora habitats. Many species of orchids including the rare and unusual Cossack Spider Orchid and fragrant Boronia are just some of the delights to be found. When it comes to wine and food... Frankland has the lot! Award winning wines, prime lamb, tender beef, delicious marron, juicy raspberries, top quality olive oil, venison and certified organically grown vegetables and eggs. and much more!^[6]

1. ^ 1.The Albany Advertiser. January 8th 1969
2. ^ 2. Ibid
3. ^ 3.History of Frankland, Fran Hilder,1974.
4. ^ 4."The Franklander", Vol 4 No.21 30th November 2001
5. ^ 5.from an article, "The Old Post Office" Author unknown, undated, unpublished
6. ^ Frankland River Festival notes 2005

1.The Albany Advertiser. January 8th 1969 2. Ibid 3.History of Frankland, Fran Hilder,1974.

Coordinates: 34°22′S 117°04′E