Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park Tours

Nelson Falls featuring a waterfall
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park


Surround yourself with Tasmania’s most famous wilderness and see untamable rivers, ancient forests and plunging gorges on foot, by boat or by raft.

The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a tract of natural beauty that became known worldwide after the successful campaign to protect its wild waters in the 1980s. Explore the remote and rugged area on a tranquil hiking trail or experience the adrenaline of a white-water rafting trip. You can also see sections of the river on a cruise and peer into the tannin-darkened waters and forests of native pine.

One of the most convenient ways to explore the region is to drive along the highway that bisects the rugged reserve. Short hiking trails, interpretive walks and picnic areas are dotted along the roadside. Explore the Franklin River Nature Trail and take photographs of the tumbling waters of the Franklin and Surprise rivers. Donaghys Hill Lookout is a great spot to get an expansive vista of the national park. See more panoramic views from King William Saddle, which looks out over Mount Rufus and the pale peak of Frenchmans Cap. Follow the Nelson Falls Nature Trail to see a plunging waterfall at the end of a boardwalk that winds through ancient forest.

Alternatively, experience the Franklin and Gordon rivers by boat. Rafting and canoeing trips can go from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks. For a more relaxing trip, join one of the cruises that departs from StrahanOpens in a new window on the state’s West Coast. Gaze at ancient Huon pines reflected in the water and guess the ages of the towering trees, some of which can live for 3,000 years. Your cruise might take you to the historic penal settlement on Sarah Island, where you can learn about some of Tasmania’s harrowing convict history. Be prepared for rough waters beyond Macquarie Harbour’s boundary, Hells Gates.

Reach the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park from QueenstownOpens in a new window or Strahan. National parks’ passes can be purchased from either of these towns. Stay overnight in the region by embarking on the challenging 5-day Frenchmans Cap Trail or enjoy a comfortable retreat in the nearby towns. Be sure to check the weather report before starting a rafting or hiking trip, as weather can change unexpectedly in this region.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Pedder Wilderness Lodge

Pedder Wilderness Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Gordon River Road, Strathgordon, TAS
Pedder Wilderness Lodge
Lake St Clair Lodge

Lake St Clair Lodge

4 out of 5
Lake St Clair Road, Derwent Bridge, TAS
Lake St Clair Lodge
Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios

Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios

3.5 out of 5
15478 Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge, TAS
Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios
Pumphouse Point

Pumphouse Point

3 out of 5
1 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St. Clair, TAS
Pumphouse Point
Gold Rush Inn

Gold Rush Inn

3 out of 5
65 Batchelor Street, Queenstown, TAS
Gold Rush Inn
Empire Hotel Queenstown

Empire Hotel Queenstown

2.5 out of 5
2 Orr Street, Queenstown, TAS
Empire Hotel Queenstown
West Coaster Motel

West Coaster Motel

3.5 out of 5
Batchelor Street, Queenstown, TAS
West Coaster Motel
Strahan Village

Strahan Village

4 out of 5
The Esplanade, Strahan, TAS
Strahan Village
Queenstown Motor Lodge

Queenstown Motor Lodge

3 out of 5
54-58 Orr Street, Queenstown, TAS
Queenstown Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Find the best attractions near Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenery and thrilling adventures. Key attractions include the stunning Gordon River, the scenic Derwent Bridge, and the iconic Cradle Mountain. Don't miss the beauty of Frenchmans Cap and the unique experiences at nearby reserves and sculpture gardens. This park promises a memorable getaway for those seeking a mix of nature and exploration.

  • Gordon Dam: Experience stunning views at Gordon Dam, located 20 miles from Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. This impressive structure not only serves as a dam but also offers breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation amidst nature.
  • Lake Pedder Lookout: Just 24 miles away, Lake Pedder Lookout provides a spectacular vantage point for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike. Enjoy adventurous hikes with panoramic views of the lake, surrounded by lush wilderness. It's a great place for a picnic or quiet reflection.
  • Teds Beach: Located 25 miles from the park, Teds Beach is a serene escape where you can soak up the sun, swim, or stroll along the sandy shores. The beach vibes create a perfect atmosphere for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Tasmania.

Best time to go to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

The best time to visit Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April54.0°F (12.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July45.5°F (7.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
August46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
November55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

To save money on your visit to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, plan your trip in February, August, or October when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or explore last-minute deals on Expedia. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through package deals. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Utilize public transport or explore the area on foot to keep costs down, and always search for the best offers by sorting prices from lowest to highest.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park are February, August and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.