Franklin River Rafting

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.

Today is a long yet rewarding day on the river, featuring scenic rafting, engaging paddling, and views of numerous campsites lining the riverbanks. The character of the river changes with recent rainfall, making each journey unique. As you paddle along, keep an eye out for the striking red blooms of climbing heath spilling down the surrounding rock faces. In the evening, relax and enjoy another delicious meal prepared by your guides before settling in for a memorable night under the open sky.

Today you’ll reach the dramatic Great Ravine and complete the first major portage at the Churn, with some exciting and challenging sections of river along the way. You’ll pass Blushrock Falls, named for the striking red tones in the surrounding rock, and enjoy views of Frenchman’s Cap from the water as you paddle downstream. Along the journey, your knowledgeable guides will share stories of the Franklin River’s rich history, as well as fascinating lesser-known tales gathered over years of exploring this wild and remote region. The day ends with an overnight stay at Coruscades Camp, nestled within the Great Ravine.

Today you’ll paddle to Deliverance Reach, marking the end of the Great Ravine, before continuing on to Rafter’s Basin. After breakfast, the day unfolds with a mix of paddling and portaging through a series of iconic river sections including Coruscades, Livingstone’s Cut, Thunderush, the Masterpiece, and the Cauldron. You’ll then reach the Mousehole, a narrow river recess watched over by a distinctive cat-shaped boulder. From here, it’s a gentle 2-kilometre paddle to Rafter’s Basin, where you’ll settle in for the evening. The surrounding landscape offers a glimpse of what lies ahead on the Lower Franklin.

Today’s destination depends on the weather, with plans to reach either The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades—a reminder that life on the river is shaped by nature, and your guides are always ready to adapt. You’ll paddle through Propsting Gorge and tackle some of the Franklin River’s best rapids, including Newlands Cascades, the longest rapid on the river. After visiting Rock Island Bend, the day ends with an overnight stay beneath a large rock overhang at the base of the rapids, providing a sheltered and memorable campsite.

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.

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, 5 km downstream of the Gordon and Franklin junction. The small wharf in front of the campsite is perfect for a swim in the Gordon River.

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.