Our Franklin River Rafting Trips
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
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
As the Franklin River is a natural river without any artificial dams, river levels are firmly linked to the rainfall in the catchment.
Franklin River Rafting Video – a Journey Through Nature
This video showcases some of our favourite breath-taking scenery and exhilarating rapids that await you.
Photos of a Franklin River Rafting Trip in December
“I never read. I just look at pictures.” ― Andy Warhol
Video Franklin River Amphibious Echidna
Watch an Echidna (or spiny ant eater) swim across Interlude creek.
Franklin River Rafting in Spring
Spring (October till mid December) is our favourite time to raft the Franklin River.
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.
Wild Yoga
Water by Nature Tasmania is collaborating with Rebecca of Wild Yoga to offer an enhanced wilderness journey.
Packrafting the Franklin River in June
What better place to celebrate the Winter Solstice than on a remote river in South West Tasmania?
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.
Rafting the Franklin River – are we mad?
10 days without a shower. 10 days without a toilet (I told you we left nothing behind).
Afloat On the Franklin: A River Rescued
Powerful political symbol, demanding physical challenge, a deep well of tranquillity or …
‘And forward…’
.. when Paul mentioned he was thinking of rafting the Franklin. ‘We’ve always wanted to do that’
3 Ways to Explore Tasmania’s Wilderness
Three memorable ways to experience the UNESCO listed Tasmanian wilderness.
Tripadvisor Reviews from our early days
A collection of Tripadvisor reviews from our early days of rafting the Franklin River
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.
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."
Video Franklin River Rafting – Best Of 2015
A few snippets of the many good times rafting the Franklin River in the years 2014/15
Summer Rafting Trip Along the Franklin River
The perfect trip. Great water levels, 6 days of sunshine and 1 day of rain
Novelist Richard Flanagan and the Franklin River
For novelist Richard Flanagan, Tasmania's Franklin River provided the most important lesson of his life.
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.
‘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.