Raft the wild Franklin River in Tasmania with a guided group
For many people, Tasmania’s famous Franklin River is synonymous with wilderness conservation! The Franklin is one of the world’s last great wild rivers and it forges through the rugged south west of Tasmania, through deep gorges, quiet pools and magnificent temperate rainforest.
This guided 9-day expedition provides a true wilderness adventure, an experience pioneered back in 1978. Regardless of the river level, you will be in good hands as your professional guides have an exceptional safety record. Despite the remoteness, your guides will ensure that the preparation of delicious meals will exceed all expectations. Any descent of the Franklin is demanding and while previous rafting experience is not required, some wilderness knowledge, along with a sound level of fitness, is essential.
This trip was named the best river journey in the world by Outside Magazine in 2012. Join in on this real wilderness experience of a lifetime!
Highlights of the Franklin River Rafting
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Franklin River Rafting Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer to Collingwood Bridge and Begin Paddling
Pick up early this morning in Launceston from one of two pick-up locations: 6:15am from the Grand Chancellor or 6:30am at the Penny Royal. Drive to the put-in point at Collingwood Bridge, arriving around 12:00pm. Inflate and load rafts, followed by a safety briefing and paddling instruction. The destination today is the junction of the Franklin and Collingwood rivers or downstream to the Aesthesia Ravine.
*You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 1:00pm pre-trip briefing.
Overnight Location: Riverside Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Raft to Irenabyss
Today tackle the Log Jam, Nasty Notch, Descension Gorge, and float calmly through the Irenabyss, camping just below the gorge. Spend the evening relaxing at an idyllic camp deep in the wilderness. While the guides prepare a hearty evening meal, enjoy a cup of tea by the river and look for wildlife that comes out at dusk.
Overnight Location: Irenabyss Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Rafting the Upper Franklin
Today is a long and beautiful day of rafting, with interesting paddling and numerous campsites along the riverbanks. The mood of the river depends on recent rainfall. Look out for the red flowers of climbing heath cascading down the rock faces. Enjoy another feast prepared by the guides, then sleep under the open sky.
Overnight Location: Riverside Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 The Great Ravine
Reach the Great Ravine today and the first major portage at the Churn. There are challenging sections along the river before reaching the Churn. Pass Blushrock Falls, named for the red tinge in the rock. Look out for views of Frenchman’s Cap from the river. Guides will share stories about the Franklin’s history and lesser-known tales. Camp at Coruscades Camp within the Great Ravine.
Overnight Location: Coruscades Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 The Great Ravine to Rafter’s Basin
Today paddle to Deliverance Reach, the end of the Great Ravine, and on to Rafter’s Basin. After breakfast, paddle and portage through Coruscades, Livingstone’s Cut, Thunderush, the Masterpiece, and the Cauldron to the Mousehole, a narrow recess with a cat-like boulder overlooking the river. Paddle 2km from the Mousehole to Rafter’s Basin and camp by Interlude Creek.
Overnight Location: Rafter’s Basin Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Propsting Gorge to Newlands Cascades
Depending on the weather, the destination today is either The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades. Paddle through Propsting Gorge and some of the Franklin’s best rapids. After lunch, navigate the longest rapid on the river: Newlands Cascades. Visit Rock Island Bend. Camp at a large rock overhang at the bottom of these rapids.
Overnight Location: Newlands Cascades Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Rafting the Lower Franklin
Greet the morning with a hot drink, watching the sun creep down the valley. Paddle to Blackman’s Bend through the deep temperate rainforest of the lower river, protected by the environmental protests of the early 1980s.
Overnight Location: Blackman’s Bend Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 The Lower Gordon River
Paddle past Double Fall, Big Fall, and Galleon Bluff, then float under the impressive overhang of Verandah Cliffs. Visit the Lost World and pass the Kutikina Aboriginal Cave. Camp at Sir John Falls on the Gordon River, 5km downstream of the Gordon and Franklin junction. The small wharf in front of the campsite is perfect for a swim in the Gordon River.
Overnight Location: Sir John Falls Camp
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Transfer by Yacht to Strahan and Return to Launceston
This morning, the Stormbreaker yacht collects the group and cruises down the river before reaching Macquarie Harbour. Enjoy the views over the Gordon River. In Strahan, transfer back to Launceston by bus, arriving in Launceston in the late afternoon or evening. Celebrate with a group farewell dinner.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Variable
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Franklin River Rafting Tour Price and Dates
This tour is usually run as a small group tour where you would be joining other trekkers on fixed departures, however, private departures are available on request.
Accommodation on Franklin River Rafting Tour
On the Franklin River you will be camping as a group either in caves and rocky overhangs, or under dry, airy Tarpaulins. Tarpaulins will usually only be used when it’s raining. There are no toilets or showers along the Franklin. A self‑inflating sleeping mat is very useful for comfort in camp. A folding chair‑back such as a Crazy Creek chair also adds to comfort in camp.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you book as a single traveller you will receive a free upgrade to your own private tent (if available).
Hotels on Standard Tour
Camping along the Franklin River
Traditional bushwalking tents are not used on the Franklin as they get wet and do not provide the best shelter for the conditions. Rock shelters and tarpaulins are the most appropriate shelter for this type of expedition.
What’s Included in the Franklin River Rafting Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Camping accommodations for 8 nights are included. Sleeping bag is not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport by private minibus is included, as well as Sailboat from lower Gordon River to Strahan.
Also included
- 2 professional rafting guides
- Transport by private minibus
- All rafting and safety equipment
- Wetsuit, paddling jacket and helmet
- 65L waterproof gear bag
- Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
- Emergency communications & group first aid kit
Not included
- Travel to and from Launceston
- Accommodation before or after the trip
- Items of a personal nature ‑ alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bag
- Face masks and hand sanitiser
Frequently Asked Questions about Franklin River Rafting
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