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Cranbrook and Frankland River

Cranbrook and Frankland River

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Cranbrook and Frankland River

Cranbrook is the gateway to the National Heritage listed Stirling Range National Park. A beautiful old station master’s house, the oldest building in town, is now home to the Cranbrook museum. With a great collection of local history items, it tells the story of the development of this lovely railway town. Be sure to visit Sukey Hill lookout for spectacular views of salt lakes, mountains and farmland.

The stunning Frankland River Region boasts the production of olive oil, organic produce, raspberries and some of the finest cool climate wines in Australia.

In the late 1850s farming leases were bought in the area after an overland route was established between Perth and Albany. The Cranbrook area developed into a productive wool and agricultural area. In 1886 works began on a railway line to connect Perth to Albany. As the steam trains needed a regular water supply, the centre of the district was moved from Tenterden to Cranbrook for better access to a suitable dam catchment area. The town was gazetted in 1899 and the name Cranbrook was given by JA Wright who was born in Cranbrook, England. He was the engineer in charge of the construction of the railway line. The town soon flourished with the completion of the railway line and Cranbrook became the central loading point for wool, sheep, sandalwood and grain. By the 1900s sandalwood and mallee bark were productive industries.

Frankland River

WINE

As one of Western Australia’s best kept secrets, the Frankland River wine region is home to rolling hills, rich and productive farming land, natural forest abounding with native wildflowers.  Located approximately 360 kilometers south of Perth, Frankland River is fast becoming one of the State’s most successful wine producing regions. Its impressive wine show success is testament to the quality of vineyards and wines of the region.

As one of the most distinctive viticulture areas in Australia, Frankland River’s flavour comes from the ironstone based gravel soils lining the river valleys and rolling hills. The cool nights and warm days with long sunlight hours provide a true Mediterranean climate giving the wines intensity of fruit, finesse, freshness and longevity. With dedicated and innovative winemaking, it is easily to see why the wines are award winning. Wines from the Frankland River Region as sold around the world and are increasingly being recognized for producing the state’s best shiraz and riesling amongst other varietals.

HISTORY

Frankland River was named by the surgeon Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson in 1829. He named Frankland River after George Frankland (1800-38), who was the Surveyor General in Van Diemen’s Land in 1829. The area was first settled in 1857 but the current townsite was not declared until 1947.

The town and region were known as Frankland River until 1935. However, after the building of a local post office, the postmaster shortened the name to Frankland because “Frankland River” was considered too long to fit on signs and documents. The named was changed back to Frankland River in 2007.

Cranbrook and Frankland River are both part of The Great Southern Treasures.

Things to Do

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Here are some of our top picks!

Stirling Range National Park

In the Great Southern region this range is home to Bluff Knoll.

Stirling Range National Park

In the Great Southern region this range is home to Bluff Knoll.

Events

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Wildflower Season

01 August 2025 - 30 November 2025
Witness an explosion of colour during spring, set against the stunning natural scenery of the South West.

Events

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Bloom Festival | Great Southern Treasures

01 September 2025
The Great Southern Treasures springs to life showcasing the region’s rare blooms.

Events

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Southern Art and Craft Trail

01 September 2025
Discover over 70 exhibitions and open studios showcasing visual arts and crafts.

Other ideas for your trip

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Read up on the different experiences and trips for the holiday of your dreams.

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Welcome to Australia’s South West!

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored.

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