Franklin Island is the eroded remnant of a shield volcano lying in the
Ross Sea about 130 kilometres east of Cape Hickey, Victoria Land. It
was first discovered in 1841 by Captain James Ross whilst attempting to
reach the South Magnetic Pole. Ross named the island in honour of the
Arctic explorer and then governor of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), Sir
John Franklin. It is home to several colonies of Adélie penguins and is a
regular haul out site for Weddell seals. If time and weather permit, you
will have the opportunity to land ashore and view the resident wildlife.
