Tasmania (Western Region)
Rafting on the Franklin
One of the most rugged and inaccessible areas left on earth, the surrounds of the Franklin River can’t really be seen on foot – there are few tracks through this twisted, tangled and wet rainforest. Rafting is the only way to explore the river and even this is possible only between December and early April. 

The Franklin is reached by rafting down the Collingwood River from the Lyell Highway, 49km west of Derwent Bridge. The full trip takes eight to fourteen days, ending at the Gordon River, where rafters head finally to Strahan by yacht from Heritage Landing or by seaplane from Sir John Falls Camp.
One of the most dangerous Australian rivers to raft, with average rapids of grades 3 to 4 – and up to grade 6 in places – the Franklin requires an expedition leader with great skill and experience (though even guides have died in the rapids). It’s also very remote, and in the event of an accident help can be days away. However, this haunting isolation is part of the attraction for most visitors. The weather, too, can be harsh – and the water is cold. 

It’s inadvisable to attempt the trip independently unless everyone in the party has white-water experience and the group leader has made a previous Franklin River trip; groups are required to have at least two rafts and to stay in contact with the ranger at Queenstown. Bear in mind that there’s nowhere to rent rafting equipment in Tasmania. 

The tour operators don’t require you to be experienced – just fit, with lots of stamina and courage. Prices are high, but this is an experience of a lifetime, with the seaplane flight back to Strahan included in the price. 

The one Tasmanian-based licensed operator is Rafting Tasmania (tel 03/6239 1080, fax 6239 1090). The others are based in Melbourne: Peregrine Adventures (tel 03/9662 2800, fax 9663 8618) and World Expeditions (tel 03/9264 3366, fax 9261 1974). 

For the shorter five-day trip from Propsting Gorge to the Gordon, expect to pay around $1100; for the full eleven-day trip from the Collingwood to the Gordon prices start at $1650.

The sketchy Franklin River Rafting Notesheets are available free from the Queenstown Ranger Station, PO Box 21, Queenstown, Tasmania 7467 (tel 03/6471 2511) or you can download a copy from the Internet (www.parks.tas.gov.au). There are campsites all along the Franklin, but most have room for only two or three tents.