An Iconic Wilderness Experience

More than just a white-water adventure, rafting the Franklin River takes you on a journey through one of the last great wildernesses on Earth. Carving its way through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed South-West, the Franklin flows through tranquil reaches, surging rapids and spectacular gorges. Along the way, you might spot a platypus in the eddies, a sea eagle soaring above, or pink robins darting around the rivers edge.
Our devoted team of highly experienced guides is looking forward to sharing their deep respect and love for this truly magical place with you. This ‘bucket list’ trip lets you connect with nature, recharge, and awaken your adventurous spirit.

Lower Beach-camp-by the river tannin stained water and rainforest-Water by Nature Tasmania-Franklin River Rafting

Choose your Adventure

Our Franklin River Rafting Trips

Paddling the Great Ravine Franklin River Tasmania

Full Franklin River Rafting Trip

7 day 4150 AUD
8 day 4250 AUD

Deposit 200 AUD

It usually takes 7 days to comfortably raft the Franklin River. On the 8 day trip we have an extra day to either take it slower or have a rest day.

On our bespoke Full Franklin River Rafting expeditions you will travel the full navigable length of the magnificent Franklin River, finishing at picturesque Sir John Falls on the Gordon River (about 110 km). A few of the many highlights along the way are: the Irenabyss, Blushrock Falls, the Great Ravine, Livingston Cut, Rafters Basin, Rock Island Bend and Newlands Cascades.

Book Trip

Trip Dates 2025

Oct 5-11, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Oct 20-26, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) needs 3 more to confirm
Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Nov 2-8, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Nov 9-16, 2025 (8 day AUD 4250) fully booked
Nov 15-21, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Nov 23-30, 2025 (8 day AUD 4250) available
Nov 29 – Dec 6, 2025 (8 day AUD 4250) available
Dec 5-12, 2025 (8 day AUD 4250) confirmed
Dec 7-13, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) confirmed
Dec 16-23, 2025 (8 day AUD 4250) confirmed
Dec 27 – Jan 2, 2026 (7 day AUD 4150) confirmed
Dec 30 – Jan 6, 2026 (8 day AUD 4250) available

Load More Dates 2026

Jan 4-11, 2026 (8 day AUD 4250) confirmed
Jan 10-17, 2026 (8 day AUD 4250) available
Jan 18-25, 2026 (8 day AUD 4250) confirmed
Mar 7-14, 2026 (8 day AUD 4250) available
Mar 15-22, 2026 (8 day AUD 4250) available
Mar 22-28, 2026 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Mar 29 – Apr 4, 2026 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Apr 3-9, 2026 (7 day Easter AUD 4150) available
Apr 12-18, 2026 (7 day AUD 4150) available

View of Frenchmans Cap from the high point

Full Franklin River Rafting Trip incl. Frenchman’s Cap

9 day 4400 AUD
10 day 4700 AUD

Deposit 200 AUD

This is the trip for the Franklin River enthusiasts and nature lovers that want to soak it all in and spend a few extra days amongst it!

On most of the 9 or 10 day trips you can choose to embark on a day walk to the impressive Frenchmans Cap. (NOTE: This walk is highly weather and river level dependent and not a guaranteed part of the trip).

In the middle of summer when water levels are typically low, longer trips are better, as the going is much slower.

Book Trip

Trip Dates 2025

Nov 22-30, 2025 (9 day AUD 4400) fully booked
Dec 13-22, 2025 (10 day AUD 4700) needs 2 more to confirm
Dec 28 – Jan 5, 2026 (9 day AUD 4400) available

Load More Dates 2026

Jan 8-17, 2026 (10 day AUD 4700) available
Jan 24 – Feb 1, 2026 (9 day AUD 4400) available
Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2026 (10 day AUD 4700) available
Feb 7-15, 2026 (9 day AUD 4400) available
Feb 13-22, 2026 (10 day AUD 4700) needs 1 more to confirm
Feb 21 – Mar 1, 2026 (9 day AUD 4400) available
Feb 26 – Mar 7, 2026 (10 day AUD 4700) available
Mar 13-21, 2026 (9 day AUD 4400) available
Mar 28 – Apr 5, 2026 (9 day AUD 4400 Easter) available

Rafts parked up at Iconic Rock Island Bend Franklin River Tasmania

Lower or Upper Section Franklin River Rafting Trip

5 day Lower 3500 AUD
6 day Upper 3800 AUD
7 day Upper 3850 AUD

Deposit 200 AUD

Our 5 Day Lower River (about 45km) trip gives you a taste of rafting the Franklin River.
We also offer 6 or 7 day trips on the upper and middle sections (about 65 km) of the Franklin River incl. the optional day walk to Frenchman’s Cap.

These trips include a 4WD trip along the Franklin River road from Queenstown and a hike up or down a steep hill (350m) to the river.

Book Trip

Trip Dates 2025

Dec 13-19, 2025 (7 day upper AUD 3850) available
Dec 18-22, 2025 (5 day lower AUD 3500) available

Load More Dates 2026

Jan 8-14, 2026 (7 day upper AUD 3850) available
Jan 13-17, 2026 (5 day lower AUD 3500) available
Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2026 (7 day upper AUD 3850) available
Feb 4-8, 2026 (5 day lower AUD 3500) available
Feb 18-22, 2026 (5 day lower AUD 3500) available
Feb 13-19, 2026 (7 day upper AUD 3850) available
Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2026 (7 day upper AUD 3850) available
Mar 3-7, 2026 (5 day lower AUD 3500) available

We start and finish in Hobart with exclusive hotel pickups and drop offs around central Hobart. You can also join us at Derwent Bridge.

Confirmed departures have min. 2 spaces available.

Why raft the Franklin River with us?

Experience You Can Trust

Water by Nature Tasmania has been guiding people down the Franklin River since 2003. Founded by Brett, who’s been paddling here since 1987, our company is shaped by decades of hands-on experience and a deep respect for this remarkable river. Our main lead guides — Brett, Klaudia, Nick and Jed — have collectively spent more than 3000 days on the Franklin. Safety is a core part of our ethos: we approach each trip with great care and an intimate understanding of how the river behaves in all conditions.

Lunch stop rafting the Middle Franklin River Tasmania

Hearty nourishing lunch by the side of the Franklin River in Tasmania

Comfort, Care and Great Food

We want you to feel well looked after — and genuinely at home in the wild. Our gear includes the warmest wetsuits, deluxe sleeping mats (10cm thick with pillows!), and the option to paddle an inflatable kayak on calmer sections.

Great food and plenty of it is a highlight for many. We look forward to sharing amazing meals with you each day — starting with freshly brewed coffee or tea and a cooked breakfast in the morning, and ending with delicious, satisfying dinners in the evening. Our varied menu blends traditional favourites with exotic touches, prepared using fresh, often organic ingredients. It’s more than just camp cooking — it’s a genuine culinary experience.

Small Groups, Real Flexibility

Our trips aren’t one-size-fits-all — they’re flexible, small-group expeditions shaped around your timing, fitness, and preferences.

We also offer discounts for groups of four or more, because we genuinely appreciate the effort that goes into organising a group adventure. Whether you’re keen on the classic 8-day journey or a custom trip ranging from 4 to 12 days, we’re happy to tailor the itinerary, dates and logistics to suit your crew.

Group of rafters at Verandah Cliffs, Franklin River Tasmania

Raft drifting through the Irenabyss on the Franklin River

Down-to-Earth Service

We believe we offer not just the best trips on the Franklin, but the best value. Our prices include high-quality gear, amazing meals, top-notch guides and outstanding service from start to finish.

We keep it personal, from your first enquiry to the final day on the river. Whether it’s hotel pickups, luggage storage, or getting your gear sorted the night before — we take care of the small things so you can focus on the experience.

Let us help you plan the Franklin River adventure you’ve been dreaming of.

Get in touch

Water by Nature Tasmania, Franklin River Rafting

5.0

Based on 95 reviews

review us on

Sean de Niese

21:30 24 Apr 25

This was the trip of my lifetime and I know that no other nature experience is going to come close to this! The trip was in mid to late April 2025 including myself a fairly fit 48 year old, 3 couples, 1 couple were around my age and the remaining 2 couples were in their mid to late 60’s. We were guided, cared for and thoroughly spoilt by our 3 guides Brett, Claudia and Jed. The Franklin River is a totally different world to anything I have ever experienced. It is absolutely stunning and photos simply do not do it justice. My words won’t do it justice! I had no rafting experience at all and had a go trying to control a Duckie down the river which was challenging and enjoyable. I tried hard to control the Duckie through the rapids where the guides advised me to and it was exhilarating when I did! I should have done some rafting back in Victoria prior to the expedition. We were given plenty of safety information before the trip. On Day 3 I hit one rapid side ways and fell out of the Duckie. I needed to get on my back and let the river take me away as noted in the safety videos but instead I tried to swim back to my raft. My left foot got caught in between some debris and I experienced foot entrapment with water cascading over my head and my nose barely above water. In a flash Jed blew his whistle and paddled into the strong rapid and calmed me down. Brett who was in a raft behind the rapid suddenly jumped into the water beside me. Claudia was already passed the rapid in her raft further up the river. I was soon able to jiggle my leg free and was helped into the safety of Brett’s raft and was able to continue on. Day 4 was by far the most intense day of the expedition. We hit the notorious Great Ravine. It was breathtakingly terrifying. I had never seen anything like it. We had 4 portages in total with some dangerous hiking while caring our gear. The danger here is very real and it was the nerves of steel and experience of our guides which got us through this unbelievable force of nature. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as part of Brett’s crew in his raft. He kept us entertained with his vast knowledge of the river and his plethora of jokes. All the equipment supplied and list of stuff for us to take was more than adequate. I am very sensitive to the cold but was kept warm enough throughout. There was never a shortage of food with snack breaks given at the right times. The meals provided were absolutely amazing. The variety and flavours were truly spectacular. It’s one thing to be guided through this dangerous new world safely but quite another to be treated with such culinary delights! All in all I had the most wonderful experience, one which I will cherish forever. Thank you Brett, Claudia and Jed for making this possible. I must also give a shout out to my other companions on the expedition. We all had each others backs and kept each other going throughout.

Mr Thankyou

03:53 15 Apr 25

Had a fantastic 8 day’s with water by nature. Great food. great guides and fantastic memories. Thanks to Brett Jed and Claudia. Appreciated your hard work on and off the water.

Peter Guest

10:50 13 Apr 25

What a fantastic trip. Thankyou Brett, the trip exceeded all expectations. The scenery was amazing, the white water a lot of fun.
Best of all were our guides Jed and Nick who were awesome. And the food they prepared was incredible.
I highly recommend Water by Nature to anybody considering a rafting trip on the Franklin.

Patrick Over

09:54 13 Apr 25

In March 2025, I went on a 7 day rafting trip down the Franklin River with Water by Nature. A stunning and memorable trip. It's physically challenging and I was very grateful to our guides, Klaudia and Andy, for getting us down the river safely, for the fun, and the lovely meals each day. Highly recommend.

Suzette Campbell

23:55 08 Apr 25

Water by nature led by klaudia and Jed down the Franklin river was a dream I had been hunting down for a long time . The experience has left a deep impression on me. Our guides were amazing if not at times intimidating. The experience energy and skill set required to get a group
Of novice water people down the Franklin needs to be acknowledged and applauded . This rivers political history along with its breathtaking beauty and utter wildness and ancientness left me spell bound . The water levels were low so the physicality required to haul as klaudia would say flesh and stores down the river was a mammoth effort. the rewards relentless , slower more lingering moments on the river with the sunlight touching depths and rocks that Jed had not seen before . The colours bountiful and too many to name .
If you have a little grit, don’t mind camping and and being wet , don’t mind the odd shout out to get your shit together and love the stars , stories, good food ( yes amazing food ) and nature , then blow your brains out and raft the Franklin you will have a bucket full of amazing memories and the gift of Mother Nature in all her glory.

Andy Congas

02:21 01 Apr 25

Not going to lie… probably quite close to being the best experience of my life thus far.
This tour…
The scenery - paradise on earth.
Tour company, environmentally - no impact.
Knowledge of Tasmanian history by guides - vast.
The guides - decades of experience between them, I have never felt safer in my life.
We had Klaudia and Andy.
The banter and the sense of humour was the best. Klaudia’s cooking…I asked her to come and live with me.
The food - I ate better than I would have if I was at home.
The guides and the people I travelled with were so authentic!!!
Can not fault the experience in any way.
12/10 would recommend.

bill doogue

04:47 31 Mar 25

Awesome experience as the guides Andy and Klaudia were amazing in how they looked after us and the way they ran the trip. If you are considering rafting the Franklin, then ring Brett who is always up for a chat. We used this company because they were recommended by friends, and they could not have done a better job for us.

Tracy Allen

22:37 17 Feb 25

Wow, awe inspiring nature at its best the low water level provided sculptured rock formations a plenty.
The Water by Nature staff Klaudia and Ched are accomplished professionals in their work environment.
They worked hard at making sure we were getting the most out of our trip. The food they turned out on a river bank for hungry mouths was astounding in variety and quality.
So if you have a moderate/good level of fitness and don’t mind tent living and a little personal challenge go for it.
Highly recommended Tracy

Jacqueline Courtney

05:33 12 Feb 25

We had a wonderful trip with Water by Nature paddling the Franklin River. From my first phone call with Brett everything was easy. We took a family of five (21,19 and 17ys plus parents in 50's and 60's) that had not rafted before. The guides made us feel safe, were engaging, exceptional cooks (catering to vegans and nut allergies) and very experienced.
I cannot fault the experience we had with Water by Nature and highly recommend you book an adventure with them.

stuart barry

02:45 27 Jan 25

Just finished an 8 day trip with Brett & Jed as our guides. Our whole family of 6 ranging in ages from 16 to 58 yrs came along. Absolutely brilliant experience made all the better by Brett & Jed's deep experience on the river and their focus on everyone's safety as a top priority. Wonderful food & conversations. We all can't wait to go again!