Local Guides Expert River Knowledge

The Franklin River is undeniably wild, remote, and gloriously untamed! Conditions can change in a flash, and the rapids, especially those cheeky "boulder chokes," love to keep us on our toes. The water levels can rise quickly with rain, and sometimes it's so dark it's like peering into a cup of strong coffee, making it tricky to spot underwater surprises like rocks and logs.

But rest assured our incredible professional guides know this river like their own backyard. Safety isn't just a priority; it's our highest priority. We kit you out with all the top-notch safety gear, and our mission is to ensure every single person has an absolutely safe and unforgettable journey.

As the Franklin River is a natural river without any artificial dams, river levels are firmly linked to the rainfall in the catchment. Generally speaking September through to early January and from mid March is when you can expect regular rainfall which is more rafting friendly.

Higher levels are more likely in the shoulder season and require a good amount of rain (50mm plus) just before or during the trip. This means fast-moving water, the long flat sections will feel like you are on a travellator and you won’t have to paddle much. However this is often coupled with cold weather conditions and there is too much of a good thing, if the river gets too high you may be stuck in camp until the levels drop to acceptable flows again.

Medium levels offer a classic rafting experience. This is the Goldilocks level and everyone’s favourite — the river has slowed down and starts to show some of its gems.

Low levels usually happen in the middle of summer and coincide with the time most people want to book a Franklin trip. When the river drops well below the medium level it is physically demanding to get fully loaded rafts past the many rock- and log obstacles. Luckily the Franklin River is carved into bedrock. This means that the long flat sections between the rapids are still paddle able even after weeks without rain. The river is very beautiful when its low, the water runs almost clear and you’ll get to know it intimately – literally one rock at a time.

Whatever the level, we’ll choose the safest and most enjoyable way down. And if the river rises suddenly, we’re ready — each trip includes a built-in spare day to manage weather or delays.

The Franklin River has rapids ranging from Class 1-6. The rapids we raft are mostly Class 2-3.

River levels can vary the difficulty of rapids sometimes stretching into run-able class 4. However our main objective is to safely navigate down the river. Most commonly class 4, and definitely 5 & 6 rapids are portaged. 

The unnavigable Class 5 and 6 rapids in areas like the Great Ravine, requiring mandatory portages are passed using a variety of tricks of the trade, often lining the rafts through using ropes and sometimes carrying some of the load.

No, as the days get really short and cold over the winter months we take a break from the river. During these times the sun may hardly grace the valley floor and would make a river journey rather unpleasant.

Situated in the remote south-west of Tasmania the Franklin River requires some preparation and planning. Our season runs from spring (October) until the fall (April). Cold and ferocious weather can occur at anytime, even during the summer months. Check the packing list to ensure you will enjoy even the coldest conditions.

Yes, we will run in bad weather. This is the South West of Tassie after all, with an annual rainfall of more than 1900mm. But a sudden rise in river levels can cause delays, with the worst-case scenario being a few extra days on the river, some missed flights and extra days to your adventure holiday free of charge. 

We have built-in spare days to manage weather and delays, and have a plan to choose the safest way to proceed. High water levels can make portaging the Great Ravine impossible, but guides are prepared and can often make up for lost time later. 

However sometimes the weather window just isn't there and in very rare cases the trip will need to be postponed. In these situation we will work with you to reschedule or refund the cost of the rafting trip.

Yes, you need a Tasmanian National Parks pass to enter Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Passes are required for all of Tasmania's national parks. Your National Parks Pass is including in your trip fees.

At Franklin River Rafting we love what we do and want only the best for all our trips. Our guides are awesome, we use only the freshest locally sourced food and all our equipment is of the highest standard available. 

We do not deal with booking agents or discount our trips. This means we can afford to put more money into actually running the greatest trip possible.

We like to keep our group numbers small and cosy, a trip that feels more like an adventure with close friends than a commercial tour. The maximum guests we take on a trip is 12. However many of our trips are fully booked with only 8 guests.

As our group sizes are very small, most trips are capped at 8 guests and include 2 guides/rafts. The maximum group size we ever take is 12 guests plus 3 guides/rafts. Regardless of group size, the minimum guides on each trip are 2.

We pride ourselves in offering the best possible experience available on the Franklin River, unfortunately that does come at a price. Our equipment, food and guides are second to none. Our group sizes are very small. The cost for a spot on our trips always remains the same and is based on a per person rate, we never discount our trips.

• Professional highly experienced guides  
• 8-9 days of wilderness adventure
• Delicious & fresh cooked meals  
• Communal Pelican dry box for your camera equipment  
• All rafting equipment, including wetsuits  
• All safety equipment, including helmet & pfd  
• Watershed dry-bags, best on the market for your personal gear communal expedition
• First Aid Kit
• Comfortable self-inflating air-mattress  
• Bivvy bag (an outer cover for your sleeping bag)
• Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Services fees  
• Transfer from Hobart to the River  
• Transfer from Strahan to Hobart  
• Yacht cruise on board ‘The Stormbreaker’ 

Everything we take should be necessary for the journey, We will provide a comprehensive packing list. Make sure you read it carefully and avoid unnecessary items. High value or irreplaceable items, Aerosol cans, Glass Containers of any kind and soap should be avoided.

On a Franklin River trip all items required for the duration of the journey are packed onto the rafts you will be travelling on. This makes the rafts very heavy, particularly at the beginning of the journey when the raft is full with food for the expedition.

• Airfares to and from Hobart
• Accommodation whilst in Hobart
• Travel insurance
• Breakfast on day 1, lunch and dinner on the last day
• Alcoholic beverages
• Sleeping bag (available for hire if needed) personal medications
• Full packing lists for all personal gear provided

Each night, we camp in stunning natural locations along the river. The campsites are in beautiful locations and you will be sleeping under a tarpaulins. We provide plenty of high quality tarpaulins to with which to embrace your inner tarp guru. Camping under tarpaulins is a social and fantastic experience. 

We also provide you with a bivvy bag, this is like a gore-tex jacket for you sleeping bag.

Shoes with great grip. You’ll be climbing in and out of rafts, walking on slippery rocks, and wading through water — so footwear really matters. 

The best available shoes/soles for the river environment are Adidas 5:10 shoes with stealth rubber. However they be hard to find and are expensive. 

Dunlop Volleys have been tried and proven on the Franklin River and are our number one recommendation for both functionality and value.

When choosing the correct size perhaps go one size up to take into account wool/polyester and neoprene socks

Avoid sandals, wetsuit boots and worst of all the old pair of runners you haven't been able to throw out  — they might seem fine, but they just don’t give enough grip or foot protection on wet rocks. Don't risk the whole experience on a lousy pair of footwear

The right shoes can make the difference between feeling confident and slipping around all day potentially getting injured. Please let us know if you cannot get hold of a suitable set. We have a small selection of Volleys left behind by previous guests, good chance we have a pair that you can use for the trip.

Just because you are camping doesn’t mean you have to rough it.

The Tasmanian climate is great for keeping food fresh, you will be surprised what we can fit on our rafts. Plenty of fresh vegetables and enough meat to keep even the biggest carnivore happy.
 

We have catered for all dietary needs over the years so just let us know what you require? Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free. 

Please be aware that we are on an expedition in one of the most remote areas of the world. If your dietary needs could not be met at a restaurant in the city perhaps we will struggle to fulfil them in the field.

To minimise our impact on this beautiful environment all our trips are limited to small group sizes. Our operations are designed to have zero environmental impact, embodying 'Leave No Trace' principle.

Everything we take into the wilderness we also take out. This includes human waste. As the saying goes "leave only footprints, take only photographs"

When we are rafting down a river we can take this one step further, even footprints aren't left behind as our impact is limited to the campsites and portage trails.

We use very sturdy equipment to carry out all waste, including human. The toilet system is quite ingenious… But let’s not give away all the surprises.

We can tell you that it is extremely clean, private and even comes with a seat. Essentially not much different to going to the toilet at home except this one doesn't flush.

Yes, please do. These days most folks have excellent cameras on their phones. Most phones are also waterproof, however they do not float. If you plan to take photos make sure you purchase a waterproof phone pouch complete with lanyard. This is the most effective way to have your camera/phone easily accessible during the trip.

If you are a photography enthusiast/professional you can also bring a SLR camera. These would need to be stored in a waterproof case such as Pelican case. 

A basic level of fitness is required to join one of our expeditions, you are also required to fill out a confidential medical information form.

You do not need to be a super athlete but be aware that you are entering an extremely remote wilderness. In the event of an emergency help may be hours if not days away (bad weather events can make helicopter rescues too dangerous for the crew).

If you are unsure of your fitness levels or personal health please get in touch with us. We may also recommend that you discuss the adventure with your GP.

Yes — Insurance is strongly recommended for this trip. Check if your policy covers cancellations and ambulance transport in Tasmania.

If you’re unsure what to look for, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

Previous rafting experience is not needed to join our trips, this is what we provide. Most of our guests have never been rafting before.

A love for the outdoors and previous camping experience is a bonus, otherwise a healthy thirst for adventure is all you require.

No, it is not essential since you will be provided with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) 

Being confident in and around the water is recommended.

A medical condition does not automatically prevent you from participating in activities on the Franklin River, but you must first consult with your physician to determine your suitability. Please reach out to us if you are unsure and we can have a chat to see if the expedition would be suitable.

The trip requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, and you will need to complete a confidential medical form. Any medication must be brought with you for the duration of the expedition and a little extra in case it gets wet, lost or we are delayed.

All trips leave from Hobart and return to Hobart at the end of the expedition. 

The day before your trip departs we meet for 2pm at Mountain Creek Outdoors, 75 Bathurst street Hobart. This allows you to try out the gear we provide, ask any last minute questions and browse the store. 

We hand out the personal dry bags so you can take them back to the hotel and pack for the trip. Mountain Creek is the best gear shop in Hobart, if you are after any last minute items look no further. 

We travel to the river head together in our comfortable mini bus. At the pre-trip briefing we decide on the appropriate meeting place for dpearture in the morning.

This is entirely up to you and what you are looking for in a place of lodging. Being centrally located will make it easier for you on the departure day since we generally aim to meet up at one pick up location. Doing this avoids lengthy pick up driving and gives you more time on the river. 

The main route out of Hobart is called Macquarie Street, any of the hotels on the street are ideal. These include; The Astor Private Hotel, Edinburgh Gallery Bed & Breakfast, The Ibis, The Macquarie Hobart, The Travelodge, Double Tree by Hilton and The Old Woolstore Apartments

We do not recommend this as the last day is already approximately 12 hours of travel. By the time we have you back in Hobart all you want to do is jump into a hot shower and head out for a lovely meal. The last thing on your mind would be a few more hours in airports and then getting home when you land.

We recommend spending another night in Hobart on your return. Booking any flights out of Hobart for the day after we return or later.

We can look after your luggage that you aren't taking with you on the river (maximum 1 suitcase/bag per person) This will meet you at the end of the journey in Strahan. If you are staying at the same places before and after the trip it might be better and easier to ask the hotel to look after your luggage.

No, the climb is voluntary, we will do a short climb up to mini Frenchmans the day before. This will give people a better understanding of what they would be in for the following day. 

Those that don't wish to attempt the climb can relax with a book for the day in camp, we could think of worse places to relax for a day.

Yes, it is the easiest way to access the Cap but certainly not a stroll. Between 8-12 hours return.
Most of the hike is tracked, very steep to begin with until you reach the ridge line. No scree scramble but some rock climbing/scrambling towards the final ascent. The Cap is 1440m above sea level and Irenabyss campsite where we begin our climb approx. 300m. Add some ups and down and we would say you will be ascending and descending 1400 vertical metres each way over a distance of 18 km.

Some of the terrain is very steep, especially the initial push out of the canyon to reach the Ridgeline. On the return leg you must descend this section with your legs feeling like jelly. If your knees are extremely dodgy we recommend you rest on the day we attempt the mountain, this hike is murder on knees.

No, there is no phone reception on the Franklin River because it flows through a remote wilderness area with no roads or human-built interruptions. This is one of the unexpected bonuses of the adventure. No internet or other distractions. 

At least for now that is the case... We are not sure how we would feel if this changes in the future.

Life happens — we get it. If you need to cancel, our cancellation policy applies (you’ll find it in our booking terms), and that’s where insurance becomes your best friend. 

Deposits are generally non refundable but  with enough notice you may be able to transfer it towards another trip or substitute another person. If you’re unsure whether to book yet, give us a call — we’re always happy to chat through options.

A trip with close friends is fantastic and gives you some more freedom regarding dates and Itinerary. You would need a minimum of 8 participants to secure a personal and exclusively private expedition. This would be a 2 raft/guide expedition for only yourself and your friends/family. If you have more people interest we can accommodate up to 12 participants on any given date. This would make it a 3 raft/guide expedition.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch, we can work through some options and find a date that suits you best.

We only offer trips that navigate the full length of the river, once you begin you are committed and the only way out is downstream or helicopter. We feel that the Franklin River is such a special place that if you are going to do it, do it right and without interruptions. There are no 1 day options available on the Franklin River.

If you are short on time get in touch with Cradle Mountain Canyons, whilst it isn't rafting or the Franklin River they do offer incredible experiences.

The minimum age is 16 but the trip is an adult trip, teenagers have completed the journey and have been great members of the expedition. The trip should be an enjoyable experience for all and not a boot camp to get your teen away from the computer. If your child loves the outdoors and has camping experience this trip is for them.

Kids as young as 12 have completed the journey but we recommend that you do this as part of a private group expedition. Perhaps you have other friends/family that are keen to join you for the adventure. If so get in touch with us and we can cater the experience to suit your group.