The Franklin River in SW Tasmania is one of the most famous rivers in Tasmania: for its beauty, the controversy of its past, and the epic rafting that it provides. A trip down the Franklin River is an 83 km journey that (in rafts) usually takes about 10 days (rest days included). The river features all grades of rapids up to the grade 5-6 rapids in the Great Ravine such as the Churn, Coruscades, Thunderrush and the Cauldron.
The Franklin River also provides an insight into the rugged beauty of the SW wilderness of Tasmania. Travelling through gorges 100's of metres deep, surrounded by rainforest and cliffs of quartzite that defines the rough landscape of the west. This image of the Franklin is typified on the Upper and Middle Franklin, as the river archs around the domineering Frenchman's Cap (which can be climbed from Irenabyss in a day). However, below Newlands Cascades, the rocks change to limestone and the river flattens for the final 30 km before it reaches the Gordon River.
A trip down the Franklin is an epic journey repleat with danger, isolation and incredible beauty.
The Club tries to get a trip together down the Franklin once a year. Here are some photos from our Dec 2000 and Nov-Dec 2001 trips......