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Brief Introduction |
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The Franklin River carves its way through some of the most beautiful, rugged and inaccessible country in the world. On your expedition you will experience surging rapids, tranquil gorges and pristine forests of myrtle, leatherwood and the ancient Huon pine. Negotiating the untamed waters of the Franklin is one of the world’s true adventures.
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Adventure Description |
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On the 7 day adventure you will navigate through the Upper and Middle sections of the Franklin River, and on the 10 day adventure you will take the full navigable length of the Franklin River. Both tours delve deep in the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area. Your journey includes a walk to the imposing Frenchmans Cap, the monarch of the south west, as well as rafting through one of Tasmania’s most spectacular gorges.
Unpredictable river levels mean the trip will always be an adventure - it is possible to encounter both very low levels and floods within days of each other. Whatever the level, rafts offer the best way to explore this unique wilderness.
Day 1: Departing the Astor Hotel, you will be given a day mastering the rafts and enjoying easy rapids before making camp for the first night. Enjoy the panoramic views down the Franklin river and across to the majestic Frenchmans Cap.
Day 2: An early start will see you traversing the first of the Franklin's gorges, Aesthesia Ravine. After tackling some portages, you will rocket through the rapids of Descension Gorge before arriving at the beautiful 'Irenabyss' or chasm of peace, base for the next two nights.
Day 3: Today you scale the Cap. In fine weather you'll have views that encompass the entire south west World Heritage Area.
Day 4: Dozens of rapids, interspersed with quiet reaches, lead you past Mt. Fincham, the Jericho Walls and the Crankle and onto your campsite at the base of the Engineer Range.
Day 5: A spectacular day that brings the group to the awesome Great Ravine, one of Tasmanias deepest gorges. Using teamwork and tenacity the group will successfully negotiate the rapids. When you arrive at your night camp at Serenity Sound, it will be for a well earned rest!
Day 6: You will use your well practised rafting skills to negotiate the next set of rapids, and under the expert eye of your guides, you will pass through safely and efficiently. Your base for tonight is Rafters Basin, which is a great place to relax after the achievements of the day.
Day 7: Today you head into Propsting Gorge and arrive at the Mt. McCall Track, where the resupplies await. For those on the 7 day trip, you will leave the group and four wheel drive to Queenstown and then catch the bus to Hobart.
After repacking the rafts you continue through the exciting Trojans rapids before arriving at Rock Island Bend and the Pig Trough, with its delightful waterfall cascading into a fern lined grotto. Tackling the Newland Cascades will have everyone whooping with delight as you plunge into a maelstrom of spray and whitewater.
Day 8: The river abruptly leaves the quartzite gorges of the Middle Franklin and enters the limestone country of the lower reaches. Tranquil pools are broken by the occasional large rapid. The evening’s camp is under a canopy of ancient trees by the deep pool at Blackmans Bend and you may be lucky enough to get a visit from the local platypus.
Day 9: The river widens and now flows quietly. Today you will be shown some of the unique limestone caves which sheltered the Aboriginal people some 14,000 years ago. Later in the day the group will tackle the unexpected “Double Fall” before making your final camp.
Day 10: Almost immediately you will encounter the deceptive rapid, “Big Fall”, and then around the corner is the gaping Pengana Cave, a towering vault in the cliffs. Your last group lunch will be enjoyed near the junction of the Franklin and Gordon Rivers. The few hours are spent drifting along the mighty Gordan River, until you reach Sir John Falls, where the seaplane will meet the group for the return flight to Strahan, on the west coast. A bus trip back to Hobart will complete your journey!
Included on your wilderness adventure:
• Transport to and from the river from Hobart and back, including seaplane flight on the last day of the ten day departure;
• All meals from lunch Day One to lunch on final day;
• All rafting equipment, including the best in buoyancy aids, helmets and spray jackets;
• Dry bag (60 litres) to store personal gear whilst on the river;
• Wetsuits - long legs and short arms;
• All camping equipment including inflatable mattresses (except sleeping bags);
• National park entry fees;
• Satellite phone for emergency communications;
• Qualified and experienced guides;
• Comprehensive first aid kit;
• Pelican case with water resistant O-ring seals for cameras and fragile items.
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