Franklin River Rafting Expedition

The Franklin River is one of the last truly wild rivers on Earth.

For eight days we will raft through the heart of Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness, following a river that became the symbol of Australia’s most famous conservation victory. Deep gorges, ancient rainforest, powerful rapids and remote campsites await us on what has been called one of the world’s greatest river journeys.

There are no roads. No phone reception. No shortcuts.

I’ts just one of those things you have to do before you die!

Once we launch our rafts, we become completely immersed in the wilderness. We will travel 125 kilometres downstream through landscapes that remain much as they were thousands of years ago, navigating rapids, floating through tranquil reaches, exploring hidden side canyons and camping on remote riverbanks beneath towering cliffs.

The Franklin is not simply a rafting trip. It is an expedition. For this journey I’ll be working together with World Expeditions, who pioneered the first commercial descent in 1978 and has guided more people down this legendary river than anyone else since.

The Franklin is a place of pristine beauty and raw power, where each bend reveals a new marvel: from cathedral-like gorges to thundering rapids, still pools to sculpted rock formations.

We take a minimum of 2 rafts on each expedition with 3‑4 participants plus a professional guide in each raft.

One of the highlights of the journey is passing through the legendary Great Ravine, where the river squeezes between immense quartzite walls and some of the Franklin’s most spectacular rapids. We will also drift through the serene waters of Irenabyss, the “Chasm of Peace”, explore hidden caves and learn the remarkable story of the campaign that saved this river from being dammed.

Each day presents new challenges and rewards. We will work together as a team, carrying gear around major rapids, helping set up camp, preparing meals and adapting to whatever conditions Tasmania decides to throw at us. Rain, sunshine, mist and four seasons in a day are all part of the experience.

At night we camp beside the river. There are no buildings, roads or signs of civilisation. Just us.

The final day unfolds with a peaceful sail down the Gordon River to Strahan. It’s a fitting end to an expedition that takes you deep off the map, into a part of the world few ever truly know.

This expedition is designed for adventurous travellers who want more than a holiday. It is for people who want to disconnect from modern life, challenge themselves physically, learn new skills and experience one of Australia’s most extraordinary wilderness areas from the inside.

No previous rafting experience is required, only a good level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. This is a small-group adventure with experienced wilderness guides.

What you’ll gain is rare: a full-immersion wilderness experience that will challenge, inspire and reconnect you with something older, deeper, and undeniably wild.

💰 Price: to be confirmed once dates and minimum group numbers are reached. Estimated range: €3,500–3,700 pp

What’s Included

• 2 professional rafting guides and me
• All rafting and safety equipment
• Camping equipment
• All meals during the expedition
• Private transfer from Launceston to the Franklin River
• Return by yacht and bus to Launceston
• National park permits and logistics
• Wetsuit, paddling jacket and helmet
• 65L waterproof gear bag
• Emergency communications & group first aid kit
• 24 hr back-up
• pre-departure briefing the day before

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from Tasmania
• Accommodation before and after the expedition
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Interested in this adventure? Let me know!

⚠️ This trip is currently in the planning stage.

At this stage I am simply gauging interest to gather enough participants to make the expedition viable. Once minimum group numbers have been reached, we will determine the most suitable dates.

If this adventure appeals to you, please register your interest.

Those who register their interest will be the first to receive updates on proposed dates, pricing and booking information.

All photos © World Expeditions.