Water by Nature Tasmania - Franklin River Rafting
Water by Nature Tasmania - Franklin River Rafting
Water by Nature Tasmania - Franklin River Rafting
5
Multi-day ToursRiver Rafting & TubingEco ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Negotiate the untamed waters of the Franklin River for five to ten days on one of the worlds best whitewater rafting adventures. The World Heritage listed Franklin River carves its way through some of the most beautiful, rugged and inaccessible country on earth. On your expedition you will experience surging rapids, tranquil gorges and pristine forests of myrtle, leatherwood and the rare and ancient Huon pine. Platypus, wallabies, quolls (marsupial tiger cats), cormorants, and white breasted sea eagles are often encountered. Let us share our passion and expertise with you. From quality rafting equipment to fresh, locally sourced culinary treats – your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Our small group tours are unparalleled in flexibility and we will do our utmost to cater for your specific needs – departure date and time, duration, dietary requirements, gear hire, fitness etc. We are looking forward to answering your questions and discuss trip options. Please don
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Water by Nature Tasmania - Franklin River Rafting
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5.0
127 reviews
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1
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Simone
Melbourne Australia5 contributions
Dec 2019
If you know about the Tasmanian wilderness and the world famous save The Franklin campaign then rafting down this pristine World Heritage listed river and region is a must and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
I told my 26 year old daughter as a graduation present last December and joined a group of like minded random adventurers on this seven day adventure. There was plenty of rain falling and it was a roll of the dice if we were even going to be able to start as the river was likely going to be high and potentially running dangerously fast.
Despite this we were picked up early by our guides from the hotel and headed to where we would start. Fortunately the river was just under the right level so after a further safety briefing we hit the river. The next seven days of being immersed in the wilderness and witnessing/experiencing some of what nature can throw you really makes you appreciate the incredible knowledge and skills of our guides. With constant rain and the river continuing to rise and run rapidly we needed to get to Newlands before our trip through Thunderrush would be too dangerous. Naturally with the skilled guiding and professionalism of Water by Nature we made it safely and had the pleasure of setting up camp for three nights in the one spot and watching the river transform into a raging torrent and rise and rise and rise before starting to recede. We witnessed lightening, thunderstorms and teaspoon sized hail, perfect for our gin and tonic, all from the safety and dryness of our camp.
Our group got to know each other’s stories well, we had a poet in the group who wrote and recited about our trip, some jewellery making with twine and stones and sing alongs. I cannot even describe for you how incredible and abundant the fresh food was on the trip. This is no dehydrated hiking food, everything was fresh, delicious and all dietary requirements catered for, special mention to Klaudia and Jed all the meal planning and cooking.
Is this trip for everyone? If you can sit in a raft, paddle, and at times hold on for dear life, sleep out then you will be fine on this trip. The guides have incredible knowledge about the history of the river and the final trip back to civilisation on the boat finished off an extraordinary week of adventure that I will never forget. It was a week spent with my daughter, in the most magical wilderness, not without it challenges but incredibly rewarding. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Special thanks to our mighty guides Klaudia, Jed and Scotty, for such a memorable week.
If you are thinking about this trip give Brett a call. He is incredibly personable, responsive and will answer all you questions, fears and doubts.
I can’t recommend this company enough and will certainly be telling all my friends and family about it.
Brilliant adventure.
I told my 26 year old daughter as a graduation present last December and joined a group of like minded random adventurers on this seven day adventure. There was plenty of rain falling and it was a roll of the dice if we were even going to be able to start as the river was likely going to be high and potentially running dangerously fast.
Despite this we were picked up early by our guides from the hotel and headed to where we would start. Fortunately the river was just under the right level so after a further safety briefing we hit the river. The next seven days of being immersed in the wilderness and witnessing/experiencing some of what nature can throw you really makes you appreciate the incredible knowledge and skills of our guides. With constant rain and the river continuing to rise and run rapidly we needed to get to Newlands before our trip through Thunderrush would be too dangerous. Naturally with the skilled guiding and professionalism of Water by Nature we made it safely and had the pleasure of setting up camp for three nights in the one spot and watching the river transform into a raging torrent and rise and rise and rise before starting to recede. We witnessed lightening, thunderstorms and teaspoon sized hail, perfect for our gin and tonic, all from the safety and dryness of our camp.
Our group got to know each other’s stories well, we had a poet in the group who wrote and recited about our trip, some jewellery making with twine and stones and sing alongs. I cannot even describe for you how incredible and abundant the fresh food was on the trip. This is no dehydrated hiking food, everything was fresh, delicious and all dietary requirements catered for, special mention to Klaudia and Jed all the meal planning and cooking.
Is this trip for everyone? If you can sit in a raft, paddle, and at times hold on for dear life, sleep out then you will be fine on this trip. The guides have incredible knowledge about the history of the river and the final trip back to civilisation on the boat finished off an extraordinary week of adventure that I will never forget. It was a week spent with my daughter, in the most magical wilderness, not without it challenges but incredibly rewarding. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Special thanks to our mighty guides Klaudia, Jed and Scotty, for such a memorable week.
If you are thinking about this trip give Brett a call. He is incredibly personable, responsive and will answer all you questions, fears and doubts.
I can’t recommend this company enough and will certainly be telling all my friends and family about it.
Brilliant adventure.
Written 16 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madshus
Canberra, Australia1,359 contributions
Feb 2021
We booked a private 10 day trip on the Franklin R with this company. They went overboard to cater for our private group of semi-retired people from Canberra including doing an after business hours conference call to address questions.
The experienced guides were terrific and knowledgeable of the area. And geeze they worked hard in shifting those heavy rafts over some of the tricky portages! They allowed two of our party to paddle pack rafts under their expert direction. So for packrafters this is a very safe way to really paddle the river yourselves.
The food was fabulous - unbelievably so.
Note that this trip has lots of hazards and risks, and you do need to be physically capable of paddling and moving over slippery terrain. For instance, one of our group ended up with a suspected fracture, which we thought might require medical evacuation. Due to the experience of lead guide Claudia - we avoided this and the 'victim' was able to continue paddling and enjoy the rest of the trip.
I would highly recommend this mob again to anyone interested in seeing and experiencing the Franklin R.
The experienced guides were terrific and knowledgeable of the area. And geeze they worked hard in shifting those heavy rafts over some of the tricky portages! They allowed two of our party to paddle pack rafts under their expert direction. So for packrafters this is a very safe way to really paddle the river yourselves.
The food was fabulous - unbelievably so.
Note that this trip has lots of hazards and risks, and you do need to be physically capable of paddling and moving over slippery terrain. For instance, one of our group ended up with a suspected fracture, which we thought might require medical evacuation. Due to the experience of lead guide Claudia - we avoided this and the 'victim' was able to continue paddling and enjoy the rest of the trip.
I would highly recommend this mob again to anyone interested in seeing and experiencing the Franklin R.
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene G
8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Experiencing the length of the Franklin River was a real priveledge (it's a wild river not easily accessible by car or 4WD) and Water by Nature made it possible - I was happy with all aspects of the trip. The equipment provided and that recommended was good, the guides knew the river and its rapids and were technically proficient, and the food was excellent - there was a good range of fruit, vegetable, bread, meat and sweets and special diets did not seem to pose any problems for the guide (who was also a great cook).
It was a pretty challenging trip so you would want to be fairly fit but you don't have to be young (we are in our late 50s and another couple was into their 60s - with others younger). We were on the water most of the day, there was a bit of lifting with portages, and in some cases had to walk on rocks (one was quite challenging for me as it was more like rock climbing). Our guide also knew lots about the plants and rocks and gave us some historical background as we were paddling. Camping was very basic but after all the paddling I slept well. I am very happy to have done the trip and won't forget it in a hurry. I was not sure about paddling when I booked the trip but now might even do another rafting trip.
It was a pretty challenging trip so you would want to be fairly fit but you don't have to be young (we are in our late 50s and another couple was into their 60s - with others younger). We were on the water most of the day, there was a bit of lifting with portages, and in some cases had to walk on rocks (one was quite challenging for me as it was more like rock climbing). Our guide also knew lots about the plants and rocks and gave us some historical background as we were paddling. Camping was very basic but after all the paddling I slept well. I am very happy to have done the trip and won't forget it in a hurry. I was not sure about paddling when I booked the trip but now might even do another rafting trip.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alia
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Nov 2019
I have now rafted the Franklin twice with Water by Nature - and I would do it again in a heart beat.
The first time, in 2017, was a large private group of family members. We spent 7 days on the river with Klaudia, Adrian and Blake. I was the youngest member on the water (apart from the guides) by about 50 years, so it is true that pretty much everyone can do it. Floating down stretches of beautiful gorges, dense rainforest, a fair share of small, medium and terrifyingly large rapids (don't worry, you walk around the really really big ones), witnessing some of the most beautiful Australian landscape I have ever seen. The guides are all a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystem and the river's remarkable history, including the famous Franklin dam campaign.
Camping by the river at night is peaceful and beautiful. Klaudia and team cook the most delicious meals each day, and breakfast, lunch, snack and aperitifs do not get sacrificed either. It's incredible how many goodies they can squeeze onto the rafts.
My second time on the river in 2019, with guides Klaudia, Jed and Scotty, was equally as memorable as the first - my mum and I joined a group of people on the river we didn't know to start with, but had formed solid friendships with by the end of the trip.
If you are thinking about the Franklin - go! You will not regret it. Both trips are the most fantastic things I have ever done. You will not see more spectacular scenery or have more fun in one week. It's the trip of a lifetime.
The first time, in 2017, was a large private group of family members. We spent 7 days on the river with Klaudia, Adrian and Blake. I was the youngest member on the water (apart from the guides) by about 50 years, so it is true that pretty much everyone can do it. Floating down stretches of beautiful gorges, dense rainforest, a fair share of small, medium and terrifyingly large rapids (don't worry, you walk around the really really big ones), witnessing some of the most beautiful Australian landscape I have ever seen. The guides are all a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystem and the river's remarkable history, including the famous Franklin dam campaign.
Camping by the river at night is peaceful and beautiful. Klaudia and team cook the most delicious meals each day, and breakfast, lunch, snack and aperitifs do not get sacrificed either. It's incredible how many goodies they can squeeze onto the rafts.
My second time on the river in 2019, with guides Klaudia, Jed and Scotty, was equally as memorable as the first - my mum and I joined a group of people on the river we didn't know to start with, but had formed solid friendships with by the end of the trip.
If you are thinking about the Franklin - go! You will not regret it. Both trips are the most fantastic things I have ever done. You will not see more spectacular scenery or have more fun in one week. It's the trip of a lifetime.
Written 2 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cath V
3 contributions
Jan 2022
Turns out I really like rafting and rapids. I was so well looked after that even though I was a real nervous Nelly, by the end I was asking for more rapids. The scenery is wonderful and being in that remote setting for 10 days is such a special experience, I can't recommend it enough. I won't go into details of all the special bits and pieces, you can find that out for yourself.
The food is great too. Brett turned out a three course meal that most people couldn't manage in a fully equipped kitchen, catering for a range of preferences at the same time.
Like all things that are worth doing it is tough but the rewards are equal to it and you will be well looked after and guided along the way. Just book it, you won't regret it.
The food is great too. Brett turned out a three course meal that most people couldn't manage in a fully equipped kitchen, catering for a range of preferences at the same time.
Like all things that are worth doing it is tough but the rewards are equal to it and you will be well looked after and guided along the way. Just book it, you won't regret it.
Written 24 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julian
1 contribution
Dec 2019
What an amazing Xmas 2019. It was spent rafting this beautiful river with a remarkable group of people and staff. The river and its history should be a must for all Australians. It is wild; no internet, no cars, just nature at its best.
The trip was well run with 2 guides who always had our safety as paramount. Thank you Nick and Klaudia for looking after us and cooking the most amazing food.
I recommend all to go on this trip with water by nature, I couldn't fault them.
Thank you again for an unforgettable experience, I hope to do the trip again at some stage.
The trip was well run with 2 guides who always had our safety as paramount. Thank you Nick and Klaudia for looking after us and cooking the most amazing food.
I recommend all to go on this trip with water by nature, I couldn't fault them.
Thank you again for an unforgettable experience, I hope to do the trip again at some stage.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drsallie
1 contribution
Jan 2022
Spending 9 days, off grid white water rafting 100+kms led by Brett and his team at Water by Nature Tasmania with a terrific bunch of people, immersed in the most stunning and spectacular wilderness. The utter splendour of Franklin, the iconic river with an incredible history that is wedged in the hearts of many Australians, was unforgettable.
Water by Nature Tasmania brought together a unique combination of professional and multi skilled guides with more than 3 decades of experience on the river, deeply knowledgeable, passionate about nature and committed to zero footprint, safety and our welfare first and were considered and thoughtful in attending to each of our sometimes quirky needs. This trip is demanding, in a good way. You have to be all in. And I was rewarded. Not only a trip of a lifetime, that I’ve dreamt about doing for years, but this is the gift that keeps giving and the jewel in the crown. So many wonderful memories; the vistas, the excitement of barrelling down the rapids, the grunt of portaging heavy rafts over slippery rocks, at times feeling out of my depth to basking lazily in the sun and enjoying the stunning scenery, sampling exquisite 5 star culinary delights, produce that has been locally sourced, all curated to the needs of the clients dietary requirements…quail, exotic curries, roast meats, scallops, prawns, fresh salads and veggies the whole trip through, and light and fluffy sponges right up to the end. Quite literally unbelievable. Eating and sleeping under the stars, swimming in the pristine river, capturing glimpses of sea birds, jumping trout, being with a terrific bunch of people, sharing the personal stories, working together as a team. Lots of fun.
A special thanks to Brett and his team at Water by Nature Tasmania, from the careful and detailed pre-trip planning, including spending all the time required to talk through what to expect and how to best prepare for the trip, to dropping off the gear before the trip, to taking the time and making the effort to ensure people were enjoying their trip and in good spirits, even going to special effort to walk up a mountain to get a mobile signal so that an ATAR score could be retrieved for a client’s son, to at the end of the trip and with the drama of a bus breakdown that jeopardised things, somehow (magically) arranged a private driver to collect my partner and I in the middle of Tasmania, miles from Hobart and get us to our connecting flight home. And all of this in the tricky, unpredictable and ever evolving Covid settings. Incredible. I need this trip every year.
Water by Nature Tasmania brought together a unique combination of professional and multi skilled guides with more than 3 decades of experience on the river, deeply knowledgeable, passionate about nature and committed to zero footprint, safety and our welfare first and were considered and thoughtful in attending to each of our sometimes quirky needs. This trip is demanding, in a good way. You have to be all in. And I was rewarded. Not only a trip of a lifetime, that I’ve dreamt about doing for years, but this is the gift that keeps giving and the jewel in the crown. So many wonderful memories; the vistas, the excitement of barrelling down the rapids, the grunt of portaging heavy rafts over slippery rocks, at times feeling out of my depth to basking lazily in the sun and enjoying the stunning scenery, sampling exquisite 5 star culinary delights, produce that has been locally sourced, all curated to the needs of the clients dietary requirements…quail, exotic curries, roast meats, scallops, prawns, fresh salads and veggies the whole trip through, and light and fluffy sponges right up to the end. Quite literally unbelievable. Eating and sleeping under the stars, swimming in the pristine river, capturing glimpses of sea birds, jumping trout, being with a terrific bunch of people, sharing the personal stories, working together as a team. Lots of fun.
A special thanks to Brett and his team at Water by Nature Tasmania, from the careful and detailed pre-trip planning, including spending all the time required to talk through what to expect and how to best prepare for the trip, to dropping off the gear before the trip, to taking the time and making the effort to ensure people were enjoying their trip and in good spirits, even going to special effort to walk up a mountain to get a mobile signal so that an ATAR score could be retrieved for a client’s son, to at the end of the trip and with the drama of a bus breakdown that jeopardised things, somehow (magically) arranged a private driver to collect my partner and I in the middle of Tasmania, miles from Hobart and get us to our connecting flight home. And all of this in the tricky, unpredictable and ever evolving Covid settings. Incredible. I need this trip every year.
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
haupi
München11 contributions
Dec 2019
Since you’re reading reviews on Rafting on the Franklin you’re probably facing 3 questions
a) Is it worth it?
That’s easy: yes
There are things that are worth doing “if you’re in the area”, but this should be one of your reasons to come to Tasmania in the first place!
I agree it’s not cheap, but if you want to do some “outdoor things”, then this is money well spent.
b) Will I be able to do it?
Well, sitting on the edge of a rubber raft for several hours is not really physically demanding as such … depending on the weather. So if you’re fit enough to sleep in a tent and to move a paddle you should be (and feel) fine.
c) Which company should I choose?
I cannot say that Water by Nature is “the best” company for this – simply because I haven’t done this tour with any other. What I *can* say is, that Water by Nature has more than ticked all my boxes (even those I didn’t know before), whether it’s safety, quality of equipment, communication, organization, preparation, DVD, fun, food (OMG – so delicious), customer care etc. etc. and made my trips such an wonderful and fulfilling adventure – really an experience of a lifetime (which is an expression I do not use carelessly!).
Special thanks to Dan, Jed, Jim, Brett, Esther and Klaudia
P.S.: I made 2 trips on the Franklin in Dec 19 (Upper) / Jan 20 (Lower)
a) Is it worth it?
That’s easy: yes
There are things that are worth doing “if you’re in the area”, but this should be one of your reasons to come to Tasmania in the first place!
I agree it’s not cheap, but if you want to do some “outdoor things”, then this is money well spent.
b) Will I be able to do it?
Well, sitting on the edge of a rubber raft for several hours is not really physically demanding as such … depending on the weather. So if you’re fit enough to sleep in a tent and to move a paddle you should be (and feel) fine.
c) Which company should I choose?
I cannot say that Water by Nature is “the best” company for this – simply because I haven’t done this tour with any other. What I *can* say is, that Water by Nature has more than ticked all my boxes (even those I didn’t know before), whether it’s safety, quality of equipment, communication, organization, preparation, DVD, fun, food (OMG – so delicious), customer care etc. etc. and made my trips such an wonderful and fulfilling adventure – really an experience of a lifetime (which is an expression I do not use carelessly!).
Special thanks to Dan, Jed, Jim, Brett, Esther and Klaudia
P.S.: I made 2 trips on the Franklin in Dec 19 (Upper) / Jan 20 (Lower)
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley T
7 contributions
Apr 2021
Had an amazing time on this trip! The river is incredible and the rapids are really impressive. We had very high water but the experience of the guides is second to none and safety always came first. Luckily years and years of experience meant that they can read the river so well and know what’s safe and what’s not. We were very lucky because despite starting with high water (Which meant not much portaging!) we made it down without any troubles. Rain the first day and a bit cold but some very fun and big rapids and by day 4 we had made it to the lovely dry Newlands camp where we spent 2 nights having a fantastic relaxing time. We had a great group and lots of laughing was had. The food is as amazing as everyone says! Prawns, scallops, laksa, curries, ice cream, fresh salad, many many cakes, lots of delicious cheese and nibbles, quail, lamb, whatever else you can think of!! We never went hungry. Amazing scenery, a must do for the adventure lover. Thankyou Brett, Jed and Owen for a once in a lifetime trip and for being such friendly, fun, accomodating and relaxed guides (even in the face of huge rapids).
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig P
Greater Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Dec 2019
This was an experience I'd been looking forward to for many years. It lived up to all expectations. The environment and its river is incomparable. Every time you pass through it (and for most of us it is once in a lifetime) it is a privilege. Action. Serenity. Physical demands. Fun! And in the hands of the Water by Nature crew, you know your tummy will be satisfied, you will learn loads and your safety will be number one. I went there to do a story for Wild magazine, and left deeply impressed. The guides were Amazonian women, all with a wicked sense of humour. In a family group, all the teenagers were specially cared for (and proved useful as youthful workhorses #smartthinking). Yes, I would do it again with WBN.
Written 6 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience