Franklin River Rafting
For many people, Tasmania's famous Franklin River is synonymous with wilderness conservation. The Franklin is one of the world's last great wild rivers and it forges through the rugged south west of Tasmania, through deep gorges, quiet pools and magnificent temperate rainforest. This expedition provides a true wilderness adventure, an experience we pioneered back in 1978. Regardless of the river level, you will be in good hands as our professional guides have an exceptional safety record. Despite the remoteness, our guides will ensure that the preparation of delicious meals will exceed all expectations. Any descent of the Franklin is demanding and while previous rafting experience is not required, some wilderness knowledge, along with a sound level of fitness, is essential.
Brief Itinerary
| DAY 1 | Depart Launceston, transfer to Collingwood Bridge, commence rafting |
| DAY 2 | Raft to Irenabyss |
| DAY 3 | Raft the Upper Franklin |
| DAY 4 | Raft to the Great Ravine |
| DAY 5 | Raft to Rafters Basin |
| DAY 6 | Propsting Gorge to Newlands Cascade |
| DAY 7 | Raft the Lower Franklin |
| DAY 8 | Raft the Lower Gordon River, complete rafting |
| DAY 9 | Sailboat to Strahan, return to Launceston |
traveller reviews
This was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was magical, from being able to drink the water to visiting the lost world. We ate like kings, laughed, and enjoyed the peace that only an escape like this can provide. The guides made the trip, their knowledge of the river and history of the area along with their expertise on all of the practical things along the river made this a renewing experience. I feel as though I came back a happier more fulfilled person. I am so grateful.
S. Benson. Lyons, CO. USA
Trip Notes
Inclusions
*8 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners *Professional rafting guides *8 nights camping *Transport by private minibus *Sailboat from Lower Gordon River to Strahan *All safety and rafting equipment including rafts, wetsuit, paddling jacket & waterproof storage for personal gear *Group camping equipment *Emergency communications & group first aid kit
AIRFARES
World Expeditions has competitive airfares to get you to the starting point of your chosen adventure. CONTACT US for a full quotation including airfares, stopovers and any additional travel you wish to organize pre or post tour.
INFO NIGHTS
World Expeditions hold informative and inspiring info night presentations covering all of our adventures and journeys across the globe. CLICK ON THE INFO NIGHTS AND EVENTS TAB AT THE TOP OF OUR WEBSITE and join us for an informative evening in a location near you!
How to make your booking
You can book your trip online by clicking the 'Book Now' button against your desired departure date. If you prefer to book offline please click here to download a booking form and more information.
Upcoming Trip Departures
All World Expeditions adventure tours are small group departures and therefore places can fill quickly. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you book your trip as soon as possible.
|
||||||||||||
| trip dates | availability | guaranteed departure |
book | |||||||||
|
10 Nov
- 18 Nov 2013
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
23 Nov
- 01 Dec 2013
|
Available
|
|
Book Now » | |||||||||
|
27 Dec
- 04 Jan 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
04 Jan
- 12 Jan 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
18 Jan
- 26 Jan 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
25 Jan
- 02 Feb 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
08 Feb
- 16 Feb 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
22 Feb
- 02 Mar 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
08 Mar
- 16 Mar 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
22 Mar
- 30 Mar 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
|
05 Apr
- 13 Apr 2014
|
Available
|
Book Now » | ||||||||||
Now there are 3 ways you can book your next World Expeditions adventure.
1. onlineYou are now able to book your trip online! First, search our website to find the trip you are interested in. Then, click the 'Dates & Bookings' tab to check availability. If a trip is available click 'Book Now'. |
2. phoneIf you would like to speak with Complete your details and email, fax or post to your nearest World Expeditions office along with your non-refundable deposit of $500 per person per trip, or 25% per person for Antarctic, Arctic and Russian Far East tours (or USD$1500 on the Polar Pioneer or the Ushuaia). |
3. in personYou can also take your booking in person to our office. Download our booking form so you'll know what information we need to process your booking.
|
 |
 |
 |
What happens after I book?
Receive your pre-departure information
On receipt of the booking form, we will confirm your booking by phone and our reservation staff will post to you a comprehensive Pre-Departure Kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information pertaining to your country including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list, our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook as well as other information tailored to your adventure.
We can also handle your extra arrangements
World Expeditions is a licensed travel agent and we are able to handle every aspect of your booking from issuing travel insurance, booking your flights, stopovers and other travel related services. Our reservation staff are eager to help so please do not forget to include any extra arrangements that you may need.
Note: If you cannot download this Booking Form contact your nearest World Expeditions office on and we will post, email or fax you a copy.
traveller reviews (8)
This was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was magical, from being able to drink the water to visiting the lost world. We ate like kings, laughed, and enjoyed the peace that only an escape like this can provide. The guides made the trip, their knowledge of the river and history of the area along with their expertise on all of the practical things along the river made this a renewing experience. I feel as though I came back a happier more fulfilled person. I am so grateful.
S. Benson. Lyons, CO. USA
The Franklin River trip was probably the best trip I have done since being Editor of OUTDOOR - I would do it all again tomorrow!
Justin Walker. Editor, AG Outdoor
I just want to say thank you to you all: the Franklin trip totally surpassed any expectation I might have had.
Clearly, that environment "sells itself" , but I believe the quality of the guides added hugely to my enjoyment of that amazing experience.
At all times I felt safe, included and enjoyed the easy-going approach on the trip. The food was incredible in those circumstances (especially having fresh - unbroken - eggs on about day 5!!)
Thanks again, Peter
P. Scott NSW, Australia
I just wanted to write to say what an amazing trip I have just had down the Franklin with Elias and Franzi Eichler. They would have to be the best guides on the river. So safe, professional and the best cooks. We had a blast! You have exceptional people working for you. I also wanted to ask if there are any t-shirts for sale through world expeditions or Tasmanian Expeditions with a Franklin River theme.
R Withers Australia
I was particularly impressed by the level of knowledge and professionalism exhibited by the river guides, Shaun and Anna. Whether it be tackling a difficult rapid, describing the fauna, flora and history of the area, preparing the campsite, producing amazing meals or subtly directing and supporting me in potentially dangerous situations, I always felt completely safe and comfortable.
Scott Lawrence United Kingdom
"World Expeditions don't only provide a trip of a lifetime down the world's premier white water rafting river, they take you safely, surely and with great respect for the environment. They have been on the river for more than thirty years. No two trips on the Franklin River, with its side canyons, waterfalls, sea eagles, platypuses and ancient Huon Pines, are the same. Don't forget your camera!"
Dr. Bob Brown Tasmania, Australia
And now for a happy conservation story: The Franklin River’s ecosystem environment is one of the most pristine on earth thanks to hawk-like activism and conservation efforts by Tasmanian Expeditions, the company that pioneered the first commercial descent back in 1978. (Incidentally, for Everest historians, Lincoln Hall was on that first trip.) Since then, the company has led efforts to prevent a dam in 1983, continues to remove noxious weed infestations along the banks, and manages the nearly invisible, leave-no-trace campsites.
This nine-day trip that passes canyon gorges, cascading waterfalls, and floats mellow pools is a total commitment—once you start, the only way out is to keep rafting, best November through January.
Outside Online 2 July 2012 USA
I was particularly impressed by the level of knowledge and professionalism exhibited by the river guides, Shaun and Anna. Whether it be tackling a difficult rapid, describing the fauna, flora and history of the area, preparing the campsite, producing amazing meals or subtly directing and supporting me in potentially dangerous situations, I always felt completely safe and comfortable.
Scott Lawrence United Kingdom
World Expeditions
World Expeditions is one of the world’s leading adventure travel companies offering ground breaking itineraries on every continent. The company has been operating small group trekking and adventure travel holidays and vacations since 1975.
We are widely recognized for ground breaking Responsible Tourism initiatives. In particular, the award winning Community Project Travel Program helps to improve the living conditions of some of the world’s most remote communities
Today, with offices around the globe, we offer more than 500 stand alone itineraries; small group active adventures and expeditions, cycling and walking tours and cultural journeys. Each itinerary has several scheduled departure dates throughout the season.
Supported by some of the world's most experienced and respected adventurers, including mountaineers Peter Hillary and Tim Macartney-Snape working with us as specialist guides, World Expeditions’ has helped shape the adventure travel industry standards since its inception almost four decades ago.
Our all-inclusive, no hidden extras pricing policy combined with longer, creative itineraries and the use of quality ground services attracts people who have high expectations of their travel experiences.
In 2004, we became the first adventure operator whose product was being distributed on Lonely Planet’s Travel Services section on their website.
World Expeditions is truly global company with offices in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, as well as Auckland, Ottawa and Montreal.
Why Travel with World Expeditions?
We own most of our operational bases around the world. This ensures that we can provide high quality trips of exceptional value with no hidden extras. Our trips are all inclusive, so there is little need to pay for anything once your trip commences until it ends. Our hands-on approach and years of experience has ensured a safety record second to none as we’ve pioneered some of the most unique itineraries in the adventure market place today.
World Expeditions has been seriously committed to responsible travel and true sustainability since we began in 1975 when we established our philosophy and stated ideal which was to “take only photographs and leave only footprints”.
Almost four decades of pioneering adventure travel has proved the positive conservation outcomes when travel is managed for sustainability. We believe a responsible, long-term vision can deliver true sustainability and with the participation of all our clients and business partners the challenge is being met and achieved.
An example of this commitment to sustainability has been our efforts to preserve the forests of Nepal. This has involved changing an entrenched culture of burning wood for fuel. World Expeditions has pioneered the change to kerosene as an alternative to wood on all trekking expeditions in Nepal. We do not have camp fires and we strongly discourage trekkers from buying wood-fueled hot showers in lodges along the trail. As a founding supporter of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) we also lead the way in porter protection by providing a good working wage for all Nepalese staff, food and extra clothing for those working above the tree line, life insurance cover and emergency helicopter insurance. Our efforts were recognized at the World Travel Mart in 2006 when our porter policies received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the Mountain Environment category.
Our philanthropic program ensures we ‘give something back’. Our current initiative is Community Project Travel. The concept behind our Community Project Travel range of trips is based on the ethos of “travel with a purpose”. It is a range of small group adventures, each about two weeks in length, whereby participants commit four to five days of their holiday to making a difference to a community in need. A portion of the traveller’s participation fee contributes to the associated material costs of the project. In 2006 our travellers helped to refurbish the Saramthali school in Nepal, collected 7 tonnes of ghost nets from the Arnhem land coastline, helped to build a new school room for the Xo village in Vietnam as well as erect a footbridge for the village of Qelqanqa in Peru so that kids could access the school safely.
In recognition of our environmental policies, we are the only Travel Company ever to be fully endorsed by the Wilderness Society in Australia. In 2001, we received the National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement Award, presented by WWF Australia, for our responsible tourism policies.
In addition, we create excellent adventures! Our trips have featured in the world’s most prestigious magazines and newspapers including: OUTSIDE magazine, both National Geographic Adventure & National Geographic Traveler magazine, Wanderlust, The Sunday Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Age, The Sunday Telegraph (UK) plus much more. Use the search widget top left of each webpage to browse our adventures, browse our Regions Of The World or Types Of Adventures pages for details of all our adventures.
