There are few great frontiers left in the world - the Franklin is one of them. Free of pasture and any human habitation, it is a veritable feast for the intrepid explorer. Rafting down this superb river is the only way to truly appreciate its wild beauty. It is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular and challenging river trips around, attracting adventurers from all over the world. The opportunity of an expedition-style trip, rather than merely "thrills and spills" makes this the ultimate wilderness experience. At times on the trip, like all great expeditions, there will betimes when patience is required. However, you will be one of the privileged few to have experienced this relatively untouched wilderness area - one of Australia's most scenic and prized destinations.
The Franklin is a physically demanding journey and you should be reasonably fit. You must be prepared to help carry equipment and scramble up steep portage tracks. This is definitely a wilderness experience rather than the kind of rafting you might encounter on a one-day rafting trip. The water levels can vary dramatically, even during a trip. If you have had experience in remote wilderness areas and think you are ready for this adventure, then the challenge is yours. There is no doubt that this is an unforgettable experience, one that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Day 1: We meet the AFTERNOON BEFORE DAY ONE at 2.00 pm at Snowgum 104 Elizabeth St. Hobart 036234 7877 for a full trip briefing. For the briefing prior to departure, please bring your personal clothing and equipment, as it will be thoroughly checked by the guides.
An early start today, we leave Hobart 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. (L, D)
Day 2: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 3: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 4: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 5: 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 2kmpaddle now from Mousehole to Rafter's Basin where we camp for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 6: The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades is our destination, depending on weather. If it's raining, Newlands Cave is the place to be, and we camp under an impressive, large rock overhang. Today 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. (B, L, D)
Day 7: 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 1980's. (B, L, D)
Day 8: 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. (B, L, D)
Day 9: In Strahan we are met by our bus, which will transfer us back to Hobart. Arrival in Hobart may vary from late- afternoon to late evening. We usually have a group farewell dinner this evening. (B, L)
