Tasmanian Expeditions Invermay White Water rafting

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Travel with the pioneers of rafting on the Franklin River
Our trip was named the world's best river journey by Outside Magazine in 2012 Stay at magical, pristine wilderness campsites Enjoy a sailboat journey back to Strahan along the Gordon River Visit Rock Island Bend, the lost World and the Kutikina Aboriginal Cave Support the Green Guardians Program

For many people, Tasmania's famous Franklin River is synonymous with wilderness conservation. The Franklin is one of the world's last great wild rivers and it forges through the rugged south west of Tasmania, through deep gorges, quiet pools and magnificent temperate rainforest. This expedition provides a true wilderness adventure, an experience we pioneered back in 1978. Regardless of the river level, you will be in good hands as our professional guides have an exceptional safety record. Despite the remoteness, our guides will ensure that the preparation of delicious meals will exceed all expectations. Any descent of the Franklin is demanding and while previous rafting experience is not required, some wilderness knowledge, along with a sound level of fitness, is essential. Join on us on this special wilderness experience, named the best river journey in the world by Outside Magazine.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: A compulsory pre-departure briefing is held the day the trip commences at 2 pm in Launceston. More details will be given after booking.
DAY 2: Transfer to Collingwood Bridge, begin paddling
An early start today, we leave Launceston at 6.00am and drive to our put-in point at Collingwood Bridge. We aim to be there around 12:00 noon and here we will inflate and load our rafts. Before getting on the water the guides will provide a safety briefing and instruction in paddling the raft. Our destination this day is the junction of the Franklin and Collingwood rivers or downstream to the Aesthesia Ravine.
DAY 3: Raft to Irenabyss
Today we will tackle the Log Jam, Nasty Notch, Descension Gorge and float calmly through the Irenabyss and camp just on the side of the river below the gorge.
DAY 4: Rafting the Upper Franklin
This is a long day, with some interesting paddling on the way with numerous campsites to be found on this upper stretch of the river.
DAY 5: 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.
DAY 6: 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.
DAY 7: Propsting Gorge to Newlands Cascades
The Black Forest or Newlands Cascades is our destination, depending on the 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.
DAY 8: Rafting the Lower Franklin
Straightforward paddling to Blackman's Bend through the deep temperate rainforest of the lower river that was protected by the environmental protests of the early 1980s.
DAY 9: The Lower Gordon River
Our camp tonight is at Sir John Falls on the Gordon River, about 5 km downstream of the junction of the Gordon and Franklin. On the way down we will be passing by Double Falls, Big Fall and spectacular limestone Verandah Cliffs.
DAY 10: Transfer by yacht in the morning to Strahan, return to Launceston
In Strahan, we are met by our bus, which will transfer us back to Launceston. Arrival in Launceston may vary from late- afternoon to late evening. We usually have a group farewell dinner this evening.
IMPORTANT: The above itinerary is to be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather, group fitness and a number of other factors may influence our planned itinerary causing delays and variations. The Tasmanian Expeditions group leader reserves the right to make modifications and or alterations to the trips itinerary in the best interests of all involved.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
2 professional rafting guides 8 nights camping 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 8 dinners Transport by private minibus Sailboat from lower Gordon River to Strahan All rafting and safety equipment Wetsuit and paddling jacket 80L waterproof gear bag Emergency communications & group first aid kit