ECLECTIC ADVENTURE GUIDES

Elias grew up in Tasmania and like most of the islands youth wanted to get out and into the big world as soon as possible. After getting out for a bit he realised that paradise was right under his nose all along and returned to the island. In 2003 he began his career as a river guide and has worked on some of the most exciting white water rafting rivers in the world, including; the Tully in Northern Queensland, the source of the Nile in Uganda and the Arctic rivers of Norway. Each one has its own attraction but the river that he has returned to every year since 2004 is the Franklin.

According to Elias, ‘Very few people raft the Franklin each year but those that do often describe it as one of the greatest experiences of their lives’. Over those 10 days you bond with your fellow rafters and it can be emotional saying good-bye once it’s over.

‘We know that this will probably be the only time our guests will have this experience and we want them to share in the joy and wonder we feel for the river.’ ‘That’s why we set up this company; to ensure our guests have the best experience they can on the trip’, ‘with the latest safety equipment and with guides who are truly committed to the river and to them. If you’re only going to do it once, you want to do it right’.

The girl form the mountains of Tyrol in Austria, Franzi is the whirlwind that keeps things moving both on the river and in camp.

Franzi has been the outdoors lifestyle from the time she was a baby, born like most Austrians with a pair of skis on her legs. In 2004 she found herself in Norway and so began her career as a river guide. But it wasn’t until the summer of 2007 when she met her knight in shining armour Elias and with him the Franklin River in Tasmania.

Franzi believes the Franklin River is both physically and emotionally challenging and there is something mystical and almost prehistoric about the environment. It feels truly wild and is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Amy is a fantastic guide with a wealth of experience on the Franklin River and abroad, spending her off-seasons in Iceland. As a member of the Australian women’s rafting team, she has demonstrated her competitive edge, achieving 4th place overall in the world championships in 2022 and 2024.

Beyond her rafting skills, Amy is an amazing cook, a fun and lively person, and a wonderful addition to any expedition. Her presence enriches both the journey and our team.

Max joined our team in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a well-traveled background. His professional journey as a rafting guide spans diverse locations, including Austria, Norway, Nepal, and Far North Queensland.

Max's focus on safety, combined with his exceptional culinary skills, makes him a standout team member. His nearly compulsive attention to detail ensures that every task is handled with precision. His contributions to the team have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have him as an integral part of our team.

Ben our newest addition to the team hails from Tasmania, bringing a highly energetic and fun-loving spirit. A young legend, he's been crowned Australia's Best Mullet champion three years running.

But don’t let his iconic haircut fool you—he’s an exceptional river guide and canyoneer, dividing his time between Tasmania’s Franklin River and Cradle Mountain Canyons. In the off-season, he heads to Norway to guide and kayak their wild rivers, further honing his skills.

Amazing Grace is returning for another season with us on the river, and we're thrilled to have her back. An adventure-seeking legend, she brings an incredible vibe to every expedition she joins. With years of rafting experience in both Australia and Canada during the Australian winter.

Grace is always up for a challenge. When she’s not rafting, you’ll find her kayaking, climbing, or pursuing anything that gets the adrenaline pumping.

Jared, our honorary Canadian, is back for another summer, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the team. With over a decade of experience, he’s a highly skilled river guide, kayaker, and rescue professional who has made Tasmania his second home.

Jared’s calm and kind nature is always a welcome presence on the river, and we look forward to many more incredible adventures with him.

Josh Cooper, the Australian from New Zealand, brings a calm and relaxed energy to every trip. Modest and never one to boast, so we’ll do it for him. With rafting adventures spanning New Zealand, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, the USA, and Australia, Josh is truly a master of his craft.

His trademark smile and laid-back demeanour make it a joy to have him on the creek, even though he could sometimes be a bit louder with his rafting commands. In the most intense moments, you’ll hardly see him raise his voice—or his heartbeat.

M. Joao Carlos Jones Vilela Da Silva, known for having the longest name in rafting history. Joey for short is a true Kiwi with a talent for both rafting and managing feral pests in Aotearoa.

His laid-back and humorous personality brings a light-hearted atmosphere to every expedition, making him a joy to be around. But don’t be deceived by his easygoing demeanor; Joey is also a skilled boatman, expertly navigating his craft with precision at all water flows.

When he isn't playing with us on the Franklin River, Joey can be found on the south island of Aotearoa as part of the amazing crew at Inland Adventures. If you are looking for great times with consumate professionals in NZ get in touc with them.

We are delighted to introduce to you our very good friend, Prawn, man of integrity and seeker of truth.

They say you are not a true Franklin River guide until you have invented a portage move. It was the Summer of 2005, and a young Prawn was partnered with the incredible Mr Casey Drum.

On the banks of a swollen river, a plan was hatched for a cunning new move for a high water portage of the "the Churn" rapid. The rafts made it safely down, the move was declared a keeper, and the search for a name began.

There was some contention as to the true origin of the plan, with Drum initially declaring the move as ‘The Drum Thing", but over time it came to be known as ‘The Drum full of Prawns’.

The dream duo was sadly split a few years back when Casey decided mother New Zealand was calling and left Tasmania and its folk in mourning.

Shaun thought his heart would never mend and being on the river brought back too many painful memories. He spent these dark years bashing bits of timber with a hammer and in the process created a home. In between hammer blows, some light was found coming from the smiling youths that new him as ‘Teach’. His relentless pursuit to mould the minds of our future leaders, teaching them science and maths, will no doubt be missed by his pupils and perhaps the cause for future generations being stupid.

Their loss is our gain as we triumphantly welcome Shaun back to the river and the Franklin River Rafting Family.

Jonny started his guiding career in Canada. This is where under the mentorship of New Zealand godfather of rafting Grant (Southy) South he learnt how much he needed to learn.

Receiving the nickname 'Two Shoes" from his mentor, an endearing name to describe Jonny's character as a bit of a do-gooder. Jonny, recognising the wealth of knowledge Southy had to give, followed him to New Zealand. Here he gained expedition experience and New Zealand's well recognised grade 4/5 rafting qualification.

This opened the door for Yonnie to work on many rivers around the world. His love for rafting and in particular expedition rafting has taken him to many places including California, Idaho, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Canada, North Queensland and of course the unbeatable Franklin River here in Tassie!

We are proud to have our good friend "Neon Leon Bedford" as part of the Franklin River Rafting family.

Born into the world with a backpack on his back he is the quintessential outdoor adventure man. Raised in the wilds of Tasmania Leon spent his childhood learning the craft of the bushman, a real life Bear Grylls.

Upon leaving the nest Leon very quickly became an icon in the Tasmanian outdoor guiding community. His outgoing and energetic character making him a pleasure to work and the perfect member of any expedition.

When he isn't working Leon spends his time seeking adventures all over the globe, generally adopting a chicken along the way to join him on his adventure. Tandoori in Nepal joined him for the whole Annapurna circuit before his untimely departure, whilst Ingham quickly became a local bar fly at the Nile River Explorers camp in Uganda.

A seasoned Franklin River guide he has led countless expeditions safely through the wilds of Tasmania.

As a river professional his work has taken him to Norway, Uganda, Nepal, India and the USA.

His guiding skills have seen him lead expeditions not only on rivers but also in the outback of the continent trekking the Larapinta trail.

When the island lures him back he can be found either on the Franklin River or showing people a great day out on the Dove Canyon for Tasmania's own Cradle Mountain Canyons.

A quick update on the travels and adventures of Mr. Bedford, shortly before the Covid 19 pandemic Leon left Tasmania for a two year jaunt in Canada. He hasn't been back since and we patiently await his return for the 2022/23 season.

According to Alayne she was "blown away by the Franklin on my first trip and still see something that amazes me every day on the river". A water baby from the northern part of Tasmania, Alayne is part of the paddling clan "The Bonney Family". Sitting on the river banks from an early age watching her siblings train, Alayne decided to take up the sport at the age of 8. 

After taking up kayaking there was hardly a free minute she didn't spend on the water. Paddling on Tassie rivers and lakes, sea kayaking and water skiing on the ocean. Her constant training paid off when she was asked to join the Australian Wildwater team and represent her country at the 2009 World Cup.

As a guide Alayne has worked in Scottish Highlands rafting and as a kayaking instructor. When in she isn't on the Franklin River, Alayne passes on her love of water to the youth of today as an outdoor educator on many school programs statewide.

We are proud to have Alayne as part of the Franklin River Rafting team, her relaxed nature a very fitting one for this beautiful part of the world.

Hailing from the Metropolis of Moe in Victorias Latrobe Valley famous for breeding AFL players and the annual B&S Ball, Jordie brings his own unique flair to the team.

After first experiencing the delights of the Franklin River as part of a university trip in 2009 Jordie was hooked and wanted more. Initially he strayed from the path as a river guide. Like a lost sheep he meandered aimlessly through the desert as a hiking guide for several years before seeing the light and shedding his gaiters.

Since 2013 he has been a permanent fixture on the Franklin River and calls Tasmania his home.

When he isn't on the river Jordie can be found pottering around his home tending to his potatoes, trading calls with his Guinea Fowl or playing music.

The dynamo from Far North Queensland, Riley has a trademark energetic and enthusiastic outlook that creates a contagious atmosphere amongst the team. 

Since he started rafting at the age of 18 Riley has spent little time away from the river. Rafting as a career and kayaking whenever he has time off. 

Although most comfortable in the tropics, prancing about shirtless in a pair of board shorts and wooing the opposite sex, a trip down the Franklin in 2009 opened his eyes to the charm of the colder climate. 

Mr. Best has since turned his craft to working as a full time paramedic but occasionally he returns for a rock star lap down the river with us.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you, the humble man from Toowoomba, Mr. Chris Dixon.

A gentleman and a scholar of the adventure world, you can rest assured you are in good hands.

Chris’s kind natured humour and care for his fellow rafters is a welcome addition to any expedition. 

He has worked all over the planet but these days spends his time between Voss in Norway, The Tully in Far North Queensland and with us on the Franklin River.

These days Chris is a full time emergency nurse but we cannot wait for him to come and join us on the river again if Queensland health can survive without him for a few weeks.

Sean Murray has worked as an outdoor education teacher, outdoor education centre director and a university lecturer. It was within the school of outdoor education at Latrobe University that Sean co founded a subject focussed entirely on the diverse history, politics and ecosystems of the Franklin river. Of course this subject involved 10 day practical experiences rafting and kayaking the Franklin that Sean led over a period of 15 years.

In the pre Covid era, Sean has personally and professionally rafted, kayaked, sea kayaked and backcountry ski toured in 23 countries.

Despite constant harassment from talent scouts for him to pursue rock stardom and fashion modelling, Sean has recently moved to Tasmania to spend more time on his favourite river and explore other wild parts of the state. With a string of nicknames including ’Sensai’, 'Obi-Wan’ and ’The Voice of Reason’ he is known as a reliable operator and fount of knowledge.

What is the enigma known as Eric Eric?

Eric, grew up in Borneo, sent to sea as a 14 year old to live and serve as a messenger between the ocean and land deities. He moved back to apple isle after 20 years abroad. 

His list of skills and attributes are long, including but not limited; qualified chef, can read, can write, half blind, very serious guy, makes incredible Spotify playlists. The mixed tape of our times.

As a rafting guide he worked in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Morocco and Australia.He featured on Qantas ad still call Australia home and serenades guests with classically trained Irish convict verse. Luckily convict heritage isn't hereditary.

Eric represented Australia as part of the national raft team both in China and at the world championships 2019 held on the Tully River in Far North Queensland.

If that isn't enough Eric was also a founding member of Bulgarian death metal band Satans Henchmen who delighted audiences with 2 hours of the song Seek and Destroy by Metallica on repeat.

Paulie began his whitewater rafting career on the Tully River in tropical North Queensland in 2006. Since then he has been fortunate enough to spend time paddling in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, India, Nepal & Uganda.

When not working for Franklin River Rafting he spends his time working with Aussie soldiers and teaching them how to become more resilient through adventure training.

The founder & director of the 'Mission Beach Outdoor Film Festival' a non profit annual event that helps promote amateur film making & tourism in North Queensland.

Paulie is also a dedicated and committed community minded legend. His talents are too long to list but vary from ultra marathon runner to active member of the committee responsible for bringing the world rafting championships to Australia for the first time and all the way dropping the beat at the Mission Beach blue light disco as 'DJ Butcher"

However, none of these achievements compare in comparison to his unmatched ability to tell really awful dad jokes for 10 days straight.

From a long line of whitewater rafters, Kye was going down rivers when he was just a twinkle in his fathers eye. Growing up around the tropical rivers in Far North Queensland, Kye had passed his commercial rafting exams in anticipation of being able to take paying guests down the Tully river on the day he turned 18.

In the interim Kye represented Australia as a member of the Junior rafting team, racing in Japan, China, Indonesia. As a professional river guide Kye has on the Tully and Barron rivers in Far North Queensland and all the way across the globe in Norway and Costa Rica.

When he isn't applying his gentle stroke on the water he transfers his skills to playing guitar and patting dogs. Kye has 10 fingers and 10 toes but can count to 21 which puts him in the top of his class at Tully High.

But all jokes aside, it is great to have Kye as part of the FRR family. His phenomenal skills and fun outgoing personality make the Berryman a fantastic addition to any adventure down the creek.

Sadly Adrian is no longer with us physically but in our hearts he is always present. Adrian passed away doing what he loved, kayaking the rivers of the world. We all miss you mate and raise a glass of port to you every trip down the Franklin.

When Adrian was growing up his mother told him to get a job that requires him to wear a suit, she was right. There weren't many days in the year he wasn't in his beloved dry-suit.

The Franklin River lies deep in the Kiernan family history, Kevin his father also spent many summer months in his youth on the lower reaches of the river. In 1977 he discovered "Kuti Kina Cave" which became a crucial part in the fight to save the Franklin.

In years to come it would be these tannin stained waters that would once again inspire and take Adrian on the path he chose.

As a whitewater rafting guide his work took him Heli-Rafting in New Zealand, through Europe, the USA and South America. Guiding the arctic waters of Norway, floating past grizzly bears in Canada and all the way to the White Nile in Uganda.

When Adrian wasn't working he spent his free time with good friends kayaking. This all consuming passion led to him represent Australia in the White Water Grand Prix and a career producing movies that documented his adventures.

According to Adrian The Franklin River was his favourite river of all. "It's the most beautiful, remote, wild and at times powerful river, where everything changes on a daily basis and keeps you on your toes".