FAQ

The Franklin River rafting season runs from October to the end of April, and each part of the season offers a unique experience — with different river levels, weather patterns, and physical demands.

October – November

Spring on the Franklin is something special: regular rainfall, good water levels, and an explosion of wildflowers and birdlife. The days are getting longer, and while it can still be cool, you’ll often enjoy bright sunny spells and have the river mostly to yourself. This is our favourite time to raft the Franklin!

December – Mid January

A very popular time to visit. Expect mild to warm weather, mostly medium water levels, and long sunny days — ideal for a classic rafting experience. This is also when you’re most likely to encounter other groups on the river.

Late January – Mid March

Typically the driest time of the year. Water levels are often low, meaning the river becomes more technically and physically demanding. You may need to portage more rapids and paddle harder, but the reward is a deeply immersive, hands-on adventure. This time of the year is best suited for the athletic and agile, that don’t mind a bit of hard yakka (work).
It’s the best time to try inflatable kayaking in the calmer sections — a highlight for many.

Late March – April

The rains usually return, bringing better water levels, cooler temperatures, and a renewed sense of solitude. Expect settled weather, less wind, and the start of shorter days — it’s a lovely, peaceful way to round out the season.

There’s no single “ideal” river level — just different types of adventure.

• Higher levels (early summer or after rain) mean fast-moving water, fewer portages, and a thrilling ride.
• Medium levels offer a classic rafting experience — enough flow to move easily, with time to explore.
• Low levels (late Jan–March) mean a lot more portaging and physical effort. The river is very beautiful when its low and you’ll get to know it intimately – literally one rock at a time. You sometimes spend more time out of the boat than paddling. These trips are often the most memorable.

Whatever the level, we’ll choose the safest and most enjoyable way down. And if the river rises suddenly, we’re ready — each trip includes a built-in spare day to manage weather or delays.

Yes, we offer flexible itineraries and special rates for groups of four or more. We’ve run Full River expeditions from 5 to 14 days, and Upper and Lower River trips tailored to all sorts of timeframes and group needs.

Planning a private group trip? We can arrange that for 8 or more people, or fewer if you’re happy to cover the cost of 8.

We know this kind of adventure isn’t cheap — but we don’t want the Franklin to become an experience only available to the wealthy. That’s why we offer group discounts and custom options — without ever skimping on quality. The same great gear, food, and guides — just more flexibility.

Call Brett on +61 408 242 941 or send us a message. He’ll help you explore the options and see what can work.

We offer a range of trip lengths tailored to the river’s seasonal changes and your own availability:

• 7-Day Full River
  Ideal when river levels are medium or higher — efficient travel, with the occasional rest day at medium flow. Our most popular option.
• 8-Day Full River
  A gentler pace with an extra day built in, perfect for moderate flows or those who prefer a little more downtime.
• 9 or 10-Day Full River (incl. Frenchmans Cap hike)
  Designed for lower water levels (late Jan–March), or for those wanting a side adventure to the majestic Frenchman’s Cap.
• 6 or 7-Day Upper Franklin (incl. Frenchmans Cap)
  Focuses on the more technical upper 65km of the river with more time for hiking Frenchman’s Cap.
• 5-Day Lower Franklin
  A great introduction to rafting and wilderness camping and optional kayaking. Covering the calmer, scenic lower stretches of the river.

There are no dams on the Franklin — water levels depend entirely on rainfall and can rise or fall rapidly, sometimes more than a meter in a matter of hours.

We schedule 7-day trips when levels are typically in the medium or higher range and allow for a steady, relaxed pace. At medium levels, there’s often time for a lay day or a side trip.
When water levels drop, the 8-day trip offers a buffer to go more slowly.
In low water, a 9+ day trip is essential to complete the journey without rushing — and to make sure everyone has the energy to enjoy it.

If you’re unsure which trip length or time of year would suit you best, we’re happy to chat it through. Give Brett a call — he knows the river like the back of his paddle.

The short answer is NO!

The long answer is: We specialise on Franklin River trips. There is no suitable entry / exit point to offer a day rafting experience on the Franklin River. The shortest trip would be 4 days starting in Queenstown.

The easiest way is to fill out our online booking form — ideally one per person, but it can also accommodate multiple people if needed.
Alternatively, you can download the booking form as a PDF and email it to us.

To confirm your spot, we ask for a $200 AUD deposit per person at the time of booking. This deposit is generally non-refundable.
Payment can be made via credit card (after submitting the form) or direct deposit — full details are on the form.

The remaining trip cost is due 39 days before departure. We’ll send you a reminder and instructions beforehand.

Yes, though cancellation fees apply. We recommend taking out travel insurance when booking to protect against unexpected changes. We generally let you use your money towards another trip on a sub load basis.

Absolutely. We offer gift vouchers for any amount, and they’re fully transferable — perfect for adventurous birthdays, graduations, or special occasions.

Yes! For groups, you can either get everyone to fill out a booking form individually or make one booking and pay deposits for multiple participants. If someone drops out, deposits can be transferred to a replacement person, as long as you let us know in advance.

Yes — almost always. We allow plenty of buffer time to get you back to Hobart on the final day, and in the vast majority of cases everything runs to plan. That said, the Franklin is a wild place, and very occasionally delays happen — in the past, continuous high water or bushfire road closures have caused us to run late. It’s rare, but not impossible. For peace of mind, we recommend spending the night in Hobart after the trip.

We always recommend spending the night in Hobart after the trip and flying out the next day. Delays are rare, but they can happen — usually due to weather or road conditions. If you really need to fly out on the evening of the last day, make sure your flight departs after 8:30 pm, and let us know in advance. Please keep in mind that we can’t guarantee you’ll make it, and we won’t rush the trip to get you to the airport in time.

We don’t include airport transfers as part of our standard service, but we’re happy to help if you need one. Just let us know what you’re planning, and we’ll see what we can do. Most guests find it easy to get to and from their hotel using Hobart’s taxis or rideshare options.

We’re happy to meet up if you’d like, but we don’t make it compulsory. Instead, we usually drop your river gear (a high-quality Watershed drybag, sleeping gear, and your wetsuit) at your Hobart accommodation the day before the trip. That way, you can try the wetsuit on in your own time and let us know if it doesn’t fit — no need to interrupt your afternoon plans or be somewhere at a set time. It’s all about making things easy for you.

We’ll pick you up right from your hotel in Hobart, or along the way to the river if that suits better. The exact time and place will be confirmed the day before. At the end of the trip, we’ll bring you back to your Hobart accommodation — no taxis, no figuring things out on your own.

You don’t need to be an athlete — but you do need at least a medium level of fitness, balance and agility. A sense of adventure goes a long way too. There is no way around it – the trip involves being physically active.

Participants should feel comfortable walking over uneven, slippery ground, sometimes carrying their own dry bag during portages. You will be getting in and out of a raft multiple times a day (often on rocky or steep riverbanks). If you can get in and out of a bean bag on the floor without too much trouble, you’re on the right track!

At lower river levels (typically late summer), the trip becomes a lot more physically demanding. Less water means more rocks get exposed. This means more manoeuvring over or around obstacles, more lifting, and more portages. You’ll be getting in and out of the boat a lot of times and on some days spend more time out of the boat than paddling. This can make for a deeply rewarding and adventurous journey, especially if everyone in the group can contribute — both for their own enjoyment and the shared experience.

Our trips run with a minimum of 4 participants, and we’re happy to tailor a custom itinerary for groups of four or more — including flexible dates and trip lengths. The maximum group size is 12 guests, plus 2–3 guides, which keeps things personal and low impact.

Planning a private group trip? We can arrange that for 8 or more people, or fewer if you’re happy to cover the cost of 8.

The minimum age is 16, or a little younger by arrangement — especially if it’s a private group or family. We don’t have a maximum age limit. We’ve had plenty of paddlers in their 60s and 70s complete the trip — including Herb Elliott, who paddled the full Franklin at 76.

Absolutely! Many of our guests are solo travellers, along with couples or small groups of friends. Our trips are a great way to meet like-minded people, share stories and enjoy a warm, inclusive environment. You’ll be made to feel welcome from the very first paddle stroke.

Shoes with great grip. You’ll be climbing in and out of rafts, walking on slippery rocks, and wading through water — so footwear really matters. We strongly recommend Dunlop Volleys (the real ones not just some look-a likes), or shoes with Stealth Rubber soles like those made by Adidas. Modern Trail Runners with soft rubber soles can work too. Most Vibram soles are NOT sticky.
Avoid sandals and wetsuit boots — they might seem fine, but they just don’t give enough grip or foot protection on wet rocks. The right shoes can make the difference between feeling confident and slipping around all day potentially getting injured. Please let us know if you cannot get hold of Volleys, we can probably lend you a pair for the trip.

We provide almost everything you need for your Franklin River adventure — including high-quality rafting equipment, wetsuits, camping gear (inflatable sleeping mats with built-in pillows), dry-bags, and tents. All meals and transport to and from the river are also included, plus a yacht cruise on most full-river trips.
We even take along an inflatable kayak for those keen to try paddling solo on some stretches.

Please refer to our detailed equipment list.

You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, medications, personal clothing and minimal toiletries, and appropriate footwear for rafting and camp.
The most important items are:

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom – synthetic, wool or fleece)
• Good footwear with grippy soles (like Dunlop Volleys or Stealth Rubber runners)
• Warm clothes for camp (fleece, down jacket, beanie, etc.)
• Rain jacket with a hood
• Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
• Medications anything you may need and of course your prescription meds.

Once you book, we’ll send you a detailed equipment checklist to make packing easy. And if you’re unsure about anything, just give us a ring.

Yes — everything (except your tent, if bringing your own) needs to fit into the provided 70L Watershed drybag. After packing, there should be at least 20 cm of empty space at the top so the bag can be sealed properly and rolled over at least once.

If it’s too full, it will make packing up each morning a hassle — especially in the rain. Stick closely to the equipment list, and if you’re unsure about anything, give us a call.
Less is often more on the Franklin.

Absolutely — we provide basic tents and super comfortable inflatable sleeping mats, but you’re very welcome to bring your own small hiking tent and / or mat if you prefer.
(Just remember: we carry all gear downriver, so smaller = better!)

Yes, but it needs to be well protected. We generally pack fragile, larger items in one of our barrels. Smaller cameras and phones can live in your drybag during the day. Wrap them into some clothing or bring a soft bag. Action cams like GoPros work well, and many of our helmets have GoPro mounts.
Pretty much everyone brings their phone on the trip to take pictures (at least in camp). If you like to use the phone to take rafting pictures keep in mind it needs to be fully waterproof and secured (and they don’t float!).

Please avoid bringing:
Cotton clothing (not ideal in cold, wet conditions)
Jewellery
Bulky gear

We can safely store any excess luggage or valuables at our base or with your accommodation.

Most guests leave their bags at their hotel, but if that’s not possible, we’re happy to store your luggage for you. Just bring it along on the morning of the trip and make sure it’s clearly labelled. We’ll keep it safe and dry until you’re back.

To protect the pristine environment of the Franklin, all gear must be clean, dry and free of soil, seeds and fungi before packing. Pay special attention to shoes, Velcro and pockets. Learn more here.

On pretty much all of our trips (depending on river conditions), we also bring inflatable kayaks. These are hugely popular in the warmer, lower-flow days and offer a fun, active way to experience the river from a different perspective. No experience needed — we’ll teach you the basics.

If you are especially keen on paddling an IK please get in touch (and mention it in the booking form) and we will make sure to bring one along so you can have a go.

No rafting experience is necessary — just a medium level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The Franklin is a “drop-pool” river, which means rapids are usually followed by calm water — so if you fall out, there’s time to regroup before the next one.

Some rapids may need to be portaged (walked around), especially at low or high flows, but we’ve developed safe, efficient systems for getting both people and gear through.

At higher levels, you’ll get long rides and fast-moving water. At lower levels, you’ll get a more hands-on challenge — navigating boulders and paddling between drops. Either way, our guides are there every step of the way.

Each day begins with a hot brew of coffee or tea and a hearty, cooked breakfast at camp before we pack up and get on the water around 9:00 am. We’ll raft through a mix of exhilarating rapids and tranquil pools, regularly stopping for snacks and lunch by the river. Most days we’re off the water around 4:00 pm, giving you time to swim, relax, explore nearby waterfalls or side creeks — or just soak up the wilderness.

Evenings are spent unwinding at beautiful campsites — often on sandy beaches or beneath dramatic rock overhangs — enjoying delicious food and good company.

Mostly yes — though each trip includes at least one spare day, built in to allow for river conditions or to take a rest day at a favourite campsite. On lower water trips, these spare days are often needed to complete the journey. On higher water trips, they’re sometimes used for side hikes or an optional rest.

The final day of the trip is spent abord the yacht Stormbreaker to Strahan and then on a bus back to Hobart.

We run a variety of modern self-bailing rafts, guided by professionals and designed for stability, comfort, and safety. These are the most spacious and most capable rafts on the Franklin — ideal for both high flows and technical low-water navigation.

Possibly — but not many. The Franklin is remote and protected, and access is limited. Even in peak season, it’s normal to go for days without seeing anyone else. We also choose campsites and lunch stops that allow for space and solitude whenever possible.

The average number of people paddling the Franklin is around 800 per season. This is way less than attempt to climb Mt. Everest – so you will enter an exclusive club!

Each night, we camp in stunning natural locations along the river — from secluded beach camps and quiet rainforest clearings to dramatic sites under rocky overhangs. These spots offer a real sense of wilderness and a deep connection to the landscape.

Rather than sleeping side-by-side under one communal flysheet (tarpaulin), we provide basic individual tents for warmth and privacy. This also gives you the flexibility to pick a secluded satellite camping spot, making the most of what the river offers.

We supply very comfortable inflatable sleeping mats, 10cm thick with a built-in pillow — far more luxurious than your average hiking mat. You’ll also get a closed-cell foam mat for added insulation. With rafting, weight isn’t a big issue, so we prioritise comfort to help you rest well and recharge each night.

As mentioned above we also provide basic tents on most trips for extra privacy and warmth.

Sleeping bags are your own responsibility, but if you would like to hire one of ours for a fee please tick the box on the booking form or let us know sometime before the trip starts. A comfort rating of 0 degree C or better is highly recommended. Down bags are great as they are usually much lighter and smaller than synthetic ones.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own small hiking tent and / or sleeping mat if you prefer. Many people find our gear more than sufficient, but if you have a setup you love and are used to, feel free to bring it along.

Great question — it’s a common concern.

At any time bugs are never a big problem, but a little preparation goes a long way to staying comfortable.

In October and November, insects are barely noticeable, with just the occasional mozzie at dawn or dusk.
In summer, especially December to February, mosquitoes can be more active, particularly in still conditions and sheltered rainforest camps.
We provide tents for bug protection (or bring your own) and recommend bringing a lightweight long-sleeve layer and some insect repellent just in case.

Snoring happens — and we’re well-practised in managing it with kindness and a sense of humour. If you know you snore, try and find yourself a sleeping spot a bit away from the others — some campsites are large enough to spread out, others are more compact.
If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs are essential. Keep in mind: most nights are accompanied by the soothing background noise of rapids — but in quieter camps you might hear a pin drop… or a snore.

A little understanding and grace goes a long way — you’re sharing an incredible wilderness with a small group of fellow adventurers, each doing their best to sleep well and paddle strong.

We provide all meals starting with lunch on day one to breakfast / brunch on the last day.

Delicious, nourishing meals are a highlight of every Franklin River trip. Our guides double as talented backcountry cooks, preparing a wide variety of hearty dishes — from exotic curries and handmade salsas to slow-cooked roasts and fresh baked treats. Think wholesome, satisfying food that fuels adventure without compromising on flavour.

There is a big variety and amount of snacks and food on offer every day, but if you have any particular cravings you can’t do without bring them along for the ride. It also helps to let us know in advance if you tend to get “hangry” or eat extraordinary amounts of food.

Absolutely. We’re happy to cater for a range of dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, low sodium, and more. Just let us know in advance via the booking form or by giving us a call. Our team will make sure you’re well-fed and looked after throughout the trip.

We take food allergies seriously and do our best to avoid cross-contamination. If you have a serious or life-threatening allergy, please contact us to discuss your specific needs. While we can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, we’ll work with you to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

We’re proud to use fresh Tasmanian produce wherever possible, with an emphasis on local, seasonal and organic ingredients. Shopping in bulk reduces packaging and helps us minimise our environmental footprint. Everything is planned with care to ensure meals are varied, nutritious, and environmentally responsible — without skimping on indulgence.

Yes — Insurance is strongly recommended for this trip. Check if your policy covers: grade 4 rafting, cancellations and ambulance transport in Tasmania.
If you’re unsure what to look for, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

While thankfully emergencies are very rare, we’re fully prepared. Our guides carry satellite communication devices PLB’s and first aid kits, and we have detailed emergency protocols in place.
Due to the Franklin’s remoteness, evacuation is complex and will involve helicopter access — another reason why insurance is essential. We’ll always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

Life happens — we get it. If you need to cancel, our cancellation policy applies (you’ll find it in our booking terms), and that’s where insurance becomes your best friend. Deposits are generally non refundable but we will let you use it towards another trip or substitute another person. If you’re unsure whether to book yet, give us a call — we’re always happy to chat through options.

Often warm and sunny, however, rain and cold conditions both on and off the river may be encountered, and nights are usually cool. Much of the Franklin catchment receives in excess of 2500mm precipitation annually. It can snow on the peaks even in summer however, it is generally protected and comfortable in the river valley. For your comfort please follow the gear list provided.

Climate – during the summer months (December to March) the daily maximum temperature ranges between 17°C and 30°C. Climate Chart for Hobart – 10 metres above sea level

For more detailed and current weather information check the Bureau of Meteorology page.

Unpredictable river levels mean your Franklin River rafting trip will always be an adventure – it is possible to encounter both very low levels and floods within days of each other. Water levels often rise 3 meters and occasionally up to 5 meters in 6 hours, we usually have plenty of warning when this is going to occur. The river level can also drop quickly, we may wait for this to happen, depending on the section we intend to run. Each trip has a spare day built in to cope with possible delays, however we finish almost always on time.

Low water usually means longer days on the water and less time in camp but should not cause trip delays.

Whatever the level, rafts offer the best way to explore this unique wilderness.

While Tasmania’s climate is on the cool side, it is often warm and sunny even on the Franklin River. The weather forecasts are pretty good these days – refer to Queenstown Tasmania on the BOM website.

We supply 5mm steamer wetsuits on all trips with additional warm thermal tops and rain jackets on cold trips. Our Equipment List gives you a good idea of how to stay warm and comfortable if you are a cold frog.

Link to the equipment list

If you get cold easily consider bringing the below items and maybe let us know pre trip as we have extra warm gear we can lend you.

>> Under the wet suit:
– long bottoms, thermal, neoprene Sharkskin or lycra pants
– long sleeved thermal top: polypropylene / polyester fleece / neoprene / Sharkskin / wool NOT cotton.

>> Your own thick wet suit OR dry-suit; OR dry-top / bottom.

>> 3 to 7 mm neoprene socks or GoreTex or Sharkskin or waterproof socks. The best ones are iDRY 5mm lined neoprene socks https://www.probewetsuits.com/

>> Over pants – nylon or GoreTex with drawstring closure.

>> extra warm sleeping bag and a small hiking tent if you own one

>> Down jacket for camp

Your safety is our top priority. All trips are led by highly experienced, qualified guides with advanced wilderness first aid training and many seasons on the Franklin River. Our equipment is top-notch and regularly maintained — from extra-warm wetsuits and high-volume self-bailing rafts, to dry bags that actually keep your gear dry.
We also monitor weather and river conditions closely and have protocols in place for high water levels or unexpected delays. Every trip has a spare day built in, just in case.

We follow a strict Leave No Trace policy to help protect this extraordinary wilderness. That includes:
– Using liquid fuel stoves (no campfires)
– Minimising use of soaps and detergents
– Separating and packing out all waste
– Shopping local to reduce food miles and packaging
– Avoiding overused campsites and using satellite camping to reduce impact
We’re proud that the Franklin’s water is still drinkable, and we do everything we can to keep it that way.

We provide a clean and efficient toilet system that ensures waste is properly contained and carried out — it’s discreet, hygienic, and much better than digging holes.
Hand hygiene is easy too: we have plenty of hand sanitiser and soap on hand, and guides will walk you through everything.