Well in January I set out to run the Franklin again. This was my second trip with Brett and his team, the first having been over 20 years ago back in the Peregrine days. It had been unforgettable then. It was different but no less inspirational this time around.

It's hard to describe the feeling of relief it was to finally get on the water at the bridge. Wetsuit on, [addle in hand, and wallets keys, mobile phones and all the trappings of everyday city life buried deep in our bags, not to be touched again for 11 days. The journey commenced...

The motley crew consisted of my son Leo and I, another father and son pair, a committed adventurer from Melbourne who decided he would claim the rubber ducky, our two illustrious and indefatigable guides and one of the guide's girlfriend - who was so well acquainted with rivercraft it was almost like having a 3rd guide.

Water was much lower this time around so the first day involved a lot of dancing around obstacles till we reached the main river late in the day.

The scenery in the Franklin is quite unforgettable. And the beauty of rafting it is that it provides access to areas of the wilderness it would take weeks to pack-walk to. If I'd had my camera accessible all the time I would have had to use it constantly. Instead, the slower river currents provided more time to drink in the scenery and explore the side creeks and waterfalls on foot, while the rapids were sheer joy and adrenaline - just as they had been under high water conditions the first time I went.

Throughout the trip, the guides did a stirling job of looking after us. The food was excellent and plentiful just as it had been the first time when Brett was out guide and did all the cooking. We'd even managed to bring a few beers with us which we managed to dispose of during the journey.

If you're reading this review and thinking about rafting the Franklin, then Stop It...

Just do it.

I promise you, you will never ever forget it. The scenery and images and sheer majesty of the bush will forever haunt you. You will have experienced first hand one of the last great wild rivers on earth. And I can not commend Brett and his team enough to you for their hard work, planning, diligence, skills and many stories and insights into the river.

Gabriel

An incredible seven day rafting trip on the mighty Franklin River. The Water By Nature guides were fantastic with their guidance through rapids and their knowledge of the river and surrounds (not to mention the amazing and plentiful food they produced each day). Highly recommended.