Five Day Franklin River Adventure - 939

Brief Introduction

From its headwaters in the alpine lakes of the Cheyne Range until its confluence with the Gordon River some 130 km later, the Franklin River flows through a wilderness national park. You will see no dams, buildings or cars; in fact there is no permanent human habitation in its catchment. The banks are lined by temperate rainforest punctuated by rock formations and small beaches, while the air is some of the cleanest in the world. Get ready for the ultimate wilderness adventure!

Adventure Description

This five day wilderness adventure explores the lower forty kilometres of the Franklin River World Heritage Area. As well as some exciting rafting, you will enjoy days of easy paddling and the chance to take in the serenity of this unique region.

Day 1: After meeting at the Astor Hotel in Hobart, equipment will be issued and then it’s lunchtime by the Derwent River. Following the Lyell Highway, over the Central Highlands the group will descend to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You may take a walk to Donaghy’s Hill and appreciate the expansive views of Frenchmans Cap. A short drive takes you to Queenstown and the night’s accommodation.

Day 2: Following an early breakfast, you will have an exciting and spectacular 4WD trip over Mt McCall down to the river. A steep descent down a foot track leads the group to your rafts. After a safety briefing 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 Gordon 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 in your five day Franklin River Adventure:
• Transport to and from the river from Hobart and back, including seaplane flight on the last day;
• 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.