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Rafting Logjam Rapid Franklin River Tasmania
Rafting Logjam Rapid Franklin River Tasmania
Irenabyss - Chasm of Peace
Irenabyss – Chasm of Peace
Irenabyss - Chasm of Peace, Franklin River Tasmania
Irenabyss – Chasm of Peace, Franklin River Tasmania
Paddling along
Paddling along
At camp, Franklin River Tasmania
At camp, Franklin River Tasmania
Scenic Middle Franklin River
Scenic Middle Franklin River
Heading into the Great Ravine
Heading into the Great Ravine
Rafting the Corkscrew in the Great Ravine Franklin RIver Tasmania
Rafting the Corkscrew in the Great Ravine Franklin RIver Tasmania
Running Corkscrew rapid
Running Corkscrew rapid
Inflatable kayak running a rapid in the Great Ravine Franklin River Tasmania
Inflatable kayak running a rapid in the Great Ravine Franklin River Tasmania
Low water portage at Thunderush
Low water portage at Thunderush
Thunderush in the Great Ravine Franklin River Tasmania
Thunderush in the Great Ravine Franklin River Tasmania
Cauldron low portage
Cauldron low portage
Propsting Gorge
Propsting Gorge
Inflatable kayak running Newlands Cascades
Inflatable kayak running Newlands Cascades
Lower Franklin Camp
Camping
Campsite Elliot Range Flat Island Lower Franklin River Tasmania
Campsite Elliot Range Flat Island Lower Franklin River Tasmania
Inflatable kayak on the Lower Franklin river
Inflatable kayak on the Lower Franklin river
Reflections of temperate rainforest along the Gordon River Tasmania
Reflections of temperate rainforest along the Gordon River Tasmania

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.

Show Trip Dates 2025

Oct 5-11, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Oct 20-26, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Nov 2-8, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
Nov 9-15, 2025 (7 day AUD 4150) available
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

Show Trip 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) available
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.

Show Trip Dates 2025

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

Show Trip 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) available
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.

Show Trip Dates 2025

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

Show Trip 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?

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

Rafting the Franklin River is more than just a white-water adventure — it’s a journey into one of the last true wilderness frontiers on Earth. Carving its way through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed South West, the Franklin flows through tranquil gorges, surging rapids and ancient rainforest. Along the way, you might spot a platypus in the eddies, a sea eagle soaring above, or wallabies darting through the ferns.

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 core lead guides — Brett, Klaudia, Nick and Jed — have 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 personalised 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.


News and Stories

The Best Level to Raft the Franklin River

The Best Level to Raft the Franklin River

As the Franklin River is a natural river without any artificial dams, river levels are firmly linked to the rainfall in the catchment.

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Franklin River Rafting Video – a Journey Through Nature

Franklin River Rafting Video – a Journey Through Nature

This video showcases some of our favourite breath-taking scenery and exhilarating rapids that await you.

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Franklin River Art Gallery

Franklin River Art Gallery

A few 'arty' shots captured on a typical February 10 day expedition

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Photos of a Franklin River Rafting Trip in December

Photos of a Franklin River Rafting Trip in December

“I never read. I just look at pictures.” ― Andy Warhol

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Video Franklin River Amphibious Echidna

Video Franklin River Amphibious Echidna

Watch an Echidna (or spiny ant eater) swim across Interlude creek.

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Thunderush

Thunderush

'Thunderush' is a great class IV rapid at medium to high levels.

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Franklin River Rafting in Spring

Franklin River Rafting in Spring

Spring (October till mid December) is our favourite time to raft the Franklin River.

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Rafting the Franklin River has always been on my ‘I want to do that’ list.

Rafting the Franklin River has always been on my ‘I want to do that’ list.

Rafting the Franklin River has always been on my ‘I want to do that’ list.

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Wild Yoga

Wild Yoga

Water by Nature Tasmania is collaborating with Rebecca of Wild Yoga to offer an enhanced wilderness journey.

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Packrafting the Franklin River in June

Packrafting the Franklin River in June

What better place to celebrate the Winter Solstice than on a remote river in South West Tasmania?

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What Difference a Little Rain Makes on a Franklin River Rafting Trip

What Difference a Little Rain Makes on a Franklin River Rafting Trip

One thing we love so much about the Franklin River is that it is never the same for long.

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Rafting the Franklin River – are we mad?

Rafting the Franklin River – are we mad?

10 days without a shower. 10 days without a toilet (I told you we left nothing behind).

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Afloat On the Franklin: A River Rescued

Afloat On the Franklin: A River Rescued

Powerful political symbol, demanding physical challenge, a deep well of tranquillity or …

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‘And forward…’

‘And forward…’

.. when Paul mentioned he was thinking of rafting the Franklin. ‘We’ve always wanted to do that’

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3 Ways to Explore Tasmania’s Wilderness

3 Ways to Explore Tasmania’s Wilderness

Three memorable ways to experience the UNESCO listed Tasmanian wilderness.

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Tripadvisor Reviews from our early days

Tripadvisor Reviews from our early days

A collection of Tripadvisor reviews from our early days of rafting the Franklin River

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Video of a Wedge-tailed Eagle above the Irenabyss

Video of a Wedge-tailed Eagle above the Irenabyss

Video of a Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring on thermals over the 'Irenabyss' or chasm of peace.

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Franklin River Whitewater Rafting, Nov 22-28, 2015

Franklin River Whitewater Rafting, Nov 22-28, 2015

"Thanks for a great trip, I had a fantastic time and found some muscles that I haven’t used for a long time."

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Video Franklin River Rafting – Best Of 2015

Video Franklin River Rafting – Best Of 2015

A few snippets of the many good times rafting the Franklin River in the years 2014/15

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Summer Rafting Trip Along the Franklin River

Summer Rafting Trip Along the Franklin River

The perfect trip. Great water levels, 6 days of sunshine and 1 day of rain

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Novelist Richard Flanagan and the Franklin River

Novelist Richard Flanagan and the Franklin River

For novelist Richard Flanagan, Tasmania's Franklin River provided the most important lesson of his life.

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Outside Magazine, ‘Surviving Tasmania’ by Stephanie Pearson

Outside Magazine, ‘Surviving Tasmania’ by Stephanie Pearson

A fascination with a cartoon animal and a Class V river lured her to the empty wilderness of Tasmania.

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‘Go with the flow along the Franklin River’ by G. Lloyd

‘Go with the flow along the Franklin River’ by G. Lloyd

Environment editor G. Lloyd finds what was saved by the historic protests 40 years ago.

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