10 Day Franklin River Rafting & Frenchmans Cap

10 days - Guided Walk Package
Day 1 - Transfer to Collingwood Bridge, begin paddling

We’ll pick you up early in Launceston before driving to Collingwood Bridge, where we inflate and load our rafts. After a safety briefing and paddling instruction, we begin our rafting journey on the Franklin River, aiming to reach the Collingwood junction or Aesthesia Ravine.

*You will need to arrive in Launceston the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 1:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Raft to Irenabyss

Today’s rafting adventure takes us through thrilling sections like the Log Jam, Nasty Notch, and Descension Gorge before a peaceful float through the serene Irenabyss. We’ll set up camp just below the gorge, surrounded by wilderness. As your guides prepare a hearty dinner, unwind by the river with a warm drink and watch for wildlife emerging at dusk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 & 4 - Frenchman’s Cap Climb

Weather permitting, we’ll make the challenging but unforgettable climb to tuynti/Frenchmans Cap from our Irenabyss base camp. This 7km return trek takes 8 to 10 hours and rewards hikers with breathtaking views over the remote south-west World Heritage Area. With two days set aside, we maximise our chances of reaching the summit in good weather.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Rafting the Upper Franklin

Today offers a long and scenic day of rafting, with varied paddling and peaceful riverside campsites. The river’s character shifts with recent rainfall, adding to the adventure. Keep an eye out for the vibrant red flowers of climbing heath as you paddle, before settling in for another delicious meal and a night under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - The Great Ravine

We reach the Great Ravine and the first major portage at the Churn. There are also some difficult sections along the river prior to reaching the Churn. We camp at Coruscades Camp within the Great Ravine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - The Great Ravine to Rafters Basin

Takes us to the Rafters Basin and out of the Great Ravine.  We paddle and portage through Coruscades, Livingstone’s Cut, Thunderush and the Cauldron to the Mousehole.  It is only a 2km paddle now from Mousehole to Rafter’s Basin where we camp for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Propsting Gorge to Newlands Cascades

The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades is our destination, depending on weather.  If it’s raining, Newlands Cave is the place to be, and we camp under an impressive, large rock overhang.  Today’s we paddle through Propsting Gorge and some of the Franklins best rapids. After lunch, Newlands Cascades, the longest rapid on the river, will have to be negotiated en route to the campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Rafting the Lower Franklin and lower Gordon River

Today’s journey takes us through the serene lower Franklin River, paddling past rainforest protected by 1980s conservation efforts and striking landmarks like Double Fall, Galleon Bluff, and Verandah Cliffs. We’ll camp at Sir John Falls on the Gordon River, with time to swim, spot sea eagles, and enjoy a final meal prepared by your guides. Mornings begin slowly here, with hot drinks and birdsong beneath the towering Huon Pines.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Transfer by yacht to Strahan, return to Launceston

This morning we board the Stormbreaker yacht for a scenic cruise along the majestic Gordon River, soaking up the views as we glide into paralungatik/Macquarie Harbour. After arriving in Strahan, our bus returns us to Launceston, with drop-offs at the Grand Chancellor and Penny Royal. We typically end the journey with a celebratory group farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner