DESCRIPTION
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Our Franklin River Rafting trip was named world’s best river journey by Outside Magazine in 2012
- Trek to the summit of Frenchman’s Cap for immense views over the South West World Heritage Area
- Stay at true wilderness campsites right next to the river
- Sailboat cruise along the Gordon River to Strahan
- Visit Rock Island Bend, the Lost World and the Kutikina Aboriginal Cave
- Support the Green Guardians Program
- Travel with the company that pioneered rafting on the Franklin River
For the ultimate Tasmanian wilderness experience, this 11-day rafting trip takes advantage of the access the Franklin River offers to the prized summit of the Frenchman’s Cap. From Irenabyss on the Franklin River, you will undertake a one-day ascent from the river to the quartzite dome of Frenchman’s Cap (1443m), from where you can enjoy 360-degree views over the entire south-west wilderness. Returning to the river you’ll continue this classic rafting adventure, meeting the challenges of Great Ravine, Propsting Gorge and Newlands Cascades. The massive temperate rainforests of the lower Franklin and Gordon Rivers are an inspirational reminder of what was saved when the Franklin Dam was stopped in 1983. Led by experienced rafting guides, this rafting expedition is recognised by many as one of the greatest wilderness experiences on earth. Our trip was named the best river journey in the world by Outside Magazine in 2012. Join on us on this real wilderness experience of a lifetime.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: A compulsory pre-departure briefing is held the day 1 of the trip at 2 pm in Launceston.
DAY 2: Transfer to Collingwood Bridge, begin paddling
An early start today, we leave Launceston at 6.00am and drive to our put-in point at Collingwood Bridge. We aim to be there around 12:00 noon and here we will inflate and load our rafts. Before getting on the water the guides will provide a safety briefing and instruction in paddling the raft. Our destination this day is the junction of the Franklin and Collingwood rivers or downstream to the Aesthesia Ravine.
DAY 3: Raft to Irenabyss
Today we will tackle the Log Jam, Nasty Notch, Descension Gorge and float calmly through the Irenabyss and camp just on the side of the river below the gorge.
DAY 4 & 5: Frenchman’s Cap Climb
Weather permitting we climb to Frenchman’s Cap from our base camp at Irenabyss. We will enjoy the spectacular view from the summit, looking out over the whole of South West Tasmania. Depending on the weather conditions, we will attempt to summit and return in one day. The two days allows us some flexibility to make the best of the conditions.
DAY 6: Rafting the Upper Franklin
This is a long day, with some interesting paddling on the way with numerous campsites to be found on this upper stretch of the river.
DAY 7: The Great Ravine
We reach the Great Ravine and the first major portage at the Churn. There are also some difficult sections along the river prior to reaching the Churn. We camp at Coruscades Camp within the Great Ravine.
DAY 8: The Great Ravine to Rafters Basin
Takes us to the Rafters Basin and out of the Great Ravine. We paddle and portage through Coruscades, Livingstone’s Cut, Thunderush and the Cauldron to the Mousehole. It is only a 2km paddle now from Mousehole to Rafter’s Basin where we camp for the night.
DAY 9: Propsting Gorge to Newlands Cascades
The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades is our destination, depending on the weather. If it’s raining, Newlands Cave is the place to be, and we camp under an impressive, large rock overhang. Today’s we paddle through Propsting Gorge and some of the Franklins best rapids. After lunch, Newlands Cascades, the longest rapid on the river, will have to be negotiated en route to the campsite.
DAY 10: Rafting the Lower Franklin
Straightforward paddling to Blackman’s Bend through the deep temperate rainforest of the lower river that was protected by the environmental protests of the early 1980s.
DAY 11: The Lower Gordon River
Our camp tonight is at Sir John Falls on the Gordon River, about 5 km downstream of the junction of the Gordon and Franklin. On the way down we will be passing by Double Falls, Big Fall and spectacular limestone Verandah Cliffs.
DAY 12: Transfer by yacht in the morning to Strahan
In Strahan, we are met by our bus, which will transfer us back to Launceston. Arrival in Launceston may vary from late- afternoon to late evening. We usually have a group farewell dinner this evening.
IMPORTANT: The above itinerary is to be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather, group fitness and a number of other factors may influence our planned itinerary causing delays and variations. The Tasmanian Expeditions group leader reserves the right to make modifications and or alterations to the trips itinerary in the best interests of all involved.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 2 professional rafting guides
- 10 nights camping
- 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 10 dinners
- Transport by private minibus
- Sailboat from lower Gordon River to Strahan
- All rafting and safety equipment
- Wetsuit and paddling jacket
- 80L waterproof gear bag
- Group camping equipment including all cooking and eating equipment
- Emergency communications & group first aid kit
