🔍

Port Franklin

VIC 3964 • Victoria

174
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2.89 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalFishingRuralQuietPeaceful
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About Port Franklin

Port Franklin is a small coastal fishing locality in Victoria's South Gippsland Shire, situated on the banks of the Franklin River between Toora and Foster, approximately 175 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD. With a population of around 170 residents, the locality covers just under 3 square kilometres and retains a distinctly maritime character shaped by its long history as a working fishing harbour. The Franklin River here empties into the embayment of Corner Inlet, a protected waterway known for its rich marine life and scenic beauty.

Port Franklin is a popular destination for recreational fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, with the calm waters of Corner Inlet attracting snapper, flathead, and whiting. The town's small community maintains a public hall, playground, tennis courts, and parklands, preserving a traditional village atmosphere. The nearby townships of Foster and Toora provide access to schools, shops, and services, while the broader South Gippsland region offers scenic coastal walks, access to Wilson's Promontory National Park, and a quieter pace of life that draws sea-changers and holiday visitors alike.

Port Franklin falls under postcode 3964 and is governed by the South Gippsland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Monash, while state elections fall under the Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3964
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
South Gippsland
Federal Electorate
Monash
State Electorate
Gippsland South (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.69°, 146.28°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2.89 km²
Population Density
60 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Foster / Toora Varies

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
175 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Leongatha for Gippsland Line trains
By Car (Peak)
2h 15min - 2h 45min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h - 2h 20min

🛣️ South Gippsland Highway via Foster; car is essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small coastal village with no retail services; a car is required for all shopping and daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
174
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the South Gippsland Local Government Area, which contains Port Franklin. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
326.2 / 100k
2yr Up 15.6% 10yr Up 15.8%
Motor vehicle theft
249.4 / 100k
2yr Up 78.8% 10yr Up 202.7%
Non-FV assault
198.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
460.5 / 100k
2yr Up 153.5% 10yr Up 71.9%
View all offence subgroups for South Gippsland →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Franklin known for? +

Port Franklin is known for its historic fishing harbour on the Franklin River, its working commercial fishing boats on Corner Inlet, and as a peaceful destination for recreational fishing, boating, and wildlife encounters including dolphins and seals.

How far is Port Franklin from Melbourne CBD? +

Port Franklin is approximately 175 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD, roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the South Gippsland Highway.

Does Port Franklin have public transport? +

Port Franklin has no rail service and limited public transport. The nearest train station is Leongatha, approximately 35 km north-west. A car is essential for accessing shops and services.

What is the population of Port Franklin? +

Port Franklin has a population of approximately 170 residents according to recent estimates, making it one of South Gippsland's smallest coastal localities.

Is Port Franklin a good place to live? +

Port Franklin is ideal for those seeking a quiet seaside lifestyle with a strong community spirit. It suits fishing enthusiasts, retirees, and those wanting a genuine sea-change, though residents rely on nearby Foster and Toora for everyday services.

What is the postcode for Port Franklin? +

The postcode for Port Franklin, VIC is 3964.

Is Port Franklin a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Port Franklin is part of the South Gippsland LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.