Negotiate the untamed waters of the Franklin River for five to ten days on one of the worlds best whitewater rafting adventures.
The World Heritage listed Franklin River carves its way through some of the most beautiful, rugged and inaccessible country on earth. On your expedition you will experience surging rapids, tranquil gorges and pristine forests of myrtle, leatherwood and the rare and ancient Huon pine. Platypus, wallabies, quolls (marsupial tiger cats), cormorants, and white breasted sea eagles are often encountered.
Tasmania’s Top Adventure by Lonely Planet
“Tasmania might seem like the ends of the earth, but it’s really the beginning of your adventure. The island state could not have been better designed for lovers of the outdoors…Here’s our pick of Tasmania’s top outdoor adventures.
1. Rafting the Franklin River
Crashing for 125km through steep gorges, the Franklin River, west of Hobart in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is one of Australia’s iconic rivers and a vital part of Tasmanian history. First run by a pair of canoeists in 1958, today fewer than 500 people attempt it each year. Guided rafting trips, such as those with outfitters Water by Nature Tasmania, put in at Collingwood River and finish at Sir John Falls on the Gordon River. In between, expect to be immersed in the wilderness of this World Heritage Area for up to 10 days. Submitting yourself to the whims of wild water and weather is a potentially life-changing experience.”
ON LONELY PLANET – RAFTING THE FRANKLIN RIVER RANKED NUMBER 1 IN “TOP 10 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN TASMANIA”
Get in touch with us
About
Launched in 2003, Water by Nature Tasmania organises professionally guided five, seven and ten day wilderness whitewater rafting expeditions through the rapids and reaches of the iconic Franklin River in South-West Tasmania.
We are based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Our guides are professionals with a great passion for the Franklin River. They are chosen for their excellence in wilderness whitewater rafting, culinary, first aid and interpretation skills. Our senior guide Brett has organised whitewater rafting expeditions on the Franklin River every season since 1987 for Wildtrek, Peregrine and from 2003 for Water By Nature Tasmania, Franklin River Rafting and still looks forward to every trip.
Let us share our passion and expertise with you. From quality rafting equipment to fresh, locally sourced culinary treats – your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Our small group tours are unparalleled in flexibility and we will do our utmost to cater for your specific needs – departure date and time, duration, dietary requirements, gear hire, fitness etc.
We are looking forward to answering your questions and discussing trip options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime at our office in Sandy Bay!
Groups
We may be able to customise the length and start date of your Franklin River Rafting tour if you have a group of four or more. We can and have run Full River expeditions of 5 to 14 days, Upper River tours of 4 to 8 days and Lower River trips of 3 to 6 days duration.
Please enquire regarding group charters and discounts for groups of three or more. Call Brett on 1800-1111-42 anytime or use our Contact form.
Catering
Let us pamper you with delicious, healthy and nutritious, exotic and traditional cuisine. Our guides take pride in their cooking skills and go to great lengths to procure fresh Tasmanian produce and provide a varied and interesting menu.
If you have any special dietary requirements or preferences just let us know in advance. We have catered for vegan, gluten free, full coeliac, lactose intolerant, low sodium diets and various food allergies.
Fitness Levels
No previous whitewater rafting experience is necessary. But please be aware that rafting and camping in this untamed and remote wilderness does require a medium fitness level and a sense of adventure.
The minimum age is 16. We have no maximum age limit. Several people in their seventies have successfully completed Franklin River rafting trips with us.
We were fortunate to paddle the full raftable length of the Franklin River with the very pleasant and fit Herb Elliott, 76 and his family group, over 5 days in November 2014. He said he was a little tired at the end of the trip and felt fine a day later.
Dates and Prices
We offer discounts for groups of three or more. Please contact us regarding specials and group rates.
Call us on 1800-1111-42 anytime or use the Contact form below.
Full Franklin River Rafting Trips
This trip starts on the Collingwood River which soon joins up with the Franklin River and finishes on the Gordon River at picturesque Sir John Falls.
It usually takes 7 or 8 days to raft the full navigable length of the Franklin River (about 105 km).
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 dependent and not a guaranteed part of the trip).
Departures 2021:
confirmed May 2 – 8 (7-day)
confirmed Oct 3 – 9 (7-day)
confirmed Oct 17 – 23 (7-day)
fully booked Oct 31 – Nov 6 (7-day)
fully booked Nov 7 – 13 (7-day)
confirmed Nov 14 – 20 (7-day)
Nov 21 – 27 (7-day)
confirmed Dec 5 – 11 (7-day)
Dec 12 – 18 (7-day)
confirmed Dec 27 – Jan 2* (7-day)
Departures 2022
confirmed Jan 7 – 13* (7-day)
Mar 20 – 26 (7-day)
Apr 3 – 9 (7-day)
Apr 10 – 16 (7-day)
Apr 15 – 21* (7-day Easter)
Departures 2021:
Nov 1 – 8* (8-day)
confirmed Nov 28 – Dec 5 (8-day)
fully booked Dec 2 – 9 (8-day)
fully booked Dec 6 – 13* (8-day)
Dec 20 – 27* (8-day)
Dec 22 – 29* (8-day)
Dec 30 – Jan 6* (8-day)
Departures 2022
Jan 2 – 9 (8-day)
Jan 9 – 16 (8-day)
Jan 16 – 23 (8-day)
Jan 23 – 30 (8-day)
Feb 13 – 20 (8-day)
Feb 27 – Mar 6 (8-day)
Mar 6 – 13 (8-day)
Mar 13 – 20 (8-day)
9 day Full River & Frenchmans Cap
$
3180
- departs Saturdays, finish Sundays
- adventurous
- Trip notes 9 day Full
Departures 2021:
Nov 20 -28 (9-day)
confirmed Nov 27 – Dec 5, 2021 (9-day)
fully booked Dec 1 – 9 (9-day)
Dec 4 – 12 (9-day)
Dec 16 – 24* (9-day)
Dec 28 – Jan 5* (9-day)
Departures 2022
Jan 3 – 11* (9-day)
Jan 15 – 23 (9-day)
Mar 5 – 13 (9-day)
Mar 19 – 27 (9-day)
fully booked Apr 2 – 10* (9-day)
10 day Full River & Frenchmans Cap
$
3280
- departs Saturdays, finish Mondays
- adventurous
- Trip notes 10 day Full
Departures 2021:
confirmed Nov 13 – 22 (10-day)
Dec 23 – Jan 1* (10-day)
Departures 2022
confirmed Jan 5 – 14* (10-day)
Jan 29 – Feb 7 (10-day)
Feb 5 – 14 (10-day)
Feb 12 – 21 (10-day)
Feb 19 – 28 (10-day)
Feb 26 – Mar 7 (10-day)
Prices subject to change without notice. || confirmed departures have min. 2 spaces available || * .. exceptions to departure day
Upper and Lower Franklin River Trips
We offer 6 or 7 day trips on the upper and middle sections of the Franklin River incl. the optional day walk to Frenchmans Cap. (NOTE: This walk is highly weather dependent and not a guaranteed part of the trip). Starting at the Collingwood River you will finish rafting about 65 km downstream at Mt McCall. An epic 4WD journey takes you to Queenstown and on to Hobart.
Our 5 day Lower Franklin River trip gives you a taste of rafting the Franklin River. 4WD to Mt. McCall and raft Propsting Gorge and the tranquil reaches of the Lower Franklin River to Sir John Falls (about 45km)
7 day Upper River & Frenchmans Cap
$
2850
- departs Saturdays, finish Fridays
- adventurous
- Trip notes 7-day Upper
Departures 2021
confirmed Nov 13 – 19* (7-day upper)
Dec 23 – 29* (7-day upper)
Departures 2022
Jan 29 – Feb 4 (7-day upper)
Feb 5 – 11 (7-day upper)
Feb 12 – 18 (7-day upper)
Feb 19 – 25 (7-day upper)
Feb 26 – Mar 4 (7-day upper)
6 day Upper River & Frenchmans Cap
$
2750
- departs Saturdays, finish Thursdays
- adventurous
- Trip notes 6-day Upper
Departures 2021
Nov 20 – 25 (6-day upper)
Dec 4 – 9 (6-day upper)
Dec 18 – 23 (6-day upper)
Dec 28 – Jan 2* (6-day upper)
Departures 2022
Jan 3 – 8* (6-day upper)
Jan 15 – 20 (6-day upper)
Mar 5 – 10 (6-day upper)
Mar 19 – 24 (6-day upper)
5 day Lower River
$
2590
- departs Wednesdays/Thursdays, finish Sundays/Mondays
- moderate
- Trip notes 5-day Lower
Departures 2021
confirmed Nov 18 – 22 (5-day)
Nov 24 – 28 (5-day)
Dec 8 – 12 (5-day)
Dec 22 – 26 (5-day)
Dec 28 – Jan 1* (5-day)
Departures 2022
Jan 1 – 5* (5-day)
Jan 7 – 11 (5-day)
Jan 19 – 23 (5-day)
Feb 3 – 7 (5-day)
Feb 10 – 14 (5-day)
Feb 17 – 21 (5-day)
Feb 24 – 28 (5-day)
Mar 3 – 6 (5-day)
Mar 9 – 13 (5-day)
Mar 23 – 27 (5-day)
Prices subject to change without notice. || confirmed departures have min. 2 spaces available || * .. exceptions to departure day
Prices subject to change without notice. || confirmed departure, space available || * .. exceptions to departure day
Reviews
Fantastic AdventureWe had a wonderful trip down the Franklin with Water by Nature. Exceptional guides with plenty of experience and really great cooking skills! The river is stunning. Well worth making a booking as the guides would make the trip safe and enjoyable in any conditions.
Amazing experienceThis was a fantastic experience and adventure. It was as adventurous as we wanted it to be, and were so well looked after. If you like the outdoors and seeing unique areas then book it in!
Rafting down the FranklinWhitewater rafting down the legendary franklin river was an amazing experience I would highly recommend, the scenery, nature, wildlife and food was incredible.
The guides were very professional, informative about the history of the river, welcoming, nice and friendly. I had a blast on the 7day tour and would definitely do it again 10/10
Step back in timeUntouched pristine scenery, adventurous days, challenging week. Brett and his team of experienced guides provided 5 star service, from a safety aspect, to the food and the company. Outstanding week full of fantastic memories. Well organised, accommodating and the journey a very enjoyable one from pick to drop off. Highly recommend.
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