WestCoast

Kommentiert von P.Rösler am 19.03.02, Originaldatei ist http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/canoetas/ptwestc.html

Canoe Tasmania Inc

River Tours for the West Coast

Gordon River <gemeint ist nur der Teil zwischen Lake William und Lake Gordon. Tour ist zu anstrengend, in der Schlucht zu schwer, ignorieren>>

Distance: Approximately 60 km to Gordon Bend flying fox. Approximately 3 km from Gordon Bend flying fox to Gorge 7 km through Gorge.
Average Gradient: Approximately 6 km to Clear Hill Road. 2m/km. Peak Gradient: Through Gorge 22m/km.
Difficulty: Grade 2-5 (through the Gorge).
Paddling Time: 6 days to Gorge. 1 day to Clear Hill Road.
Entry Point: Either paddle across Lake King William and into Long Bay OR find the four-wheel drive track and follow down the track for approximately 9 km. to where the track and the Gordon meet. For access approx. 6km. upstream of the Gorge obtain the key to the Florentine Valley and turn off on Tiger Road then Range Road then Mother in Law Road then next left and follow as far as you can. Follow the walking track to the river (about one hours walk).
Exit Point: You can leave the river easily and join the Vale of Rasselas walking track, or at the Gordon Bend flying fox, at the Clear Hill Road (if you obtain the key), or paddle across Lake Gordon to the Island Road boat ramp.
Water Level: A few days rain before or even during the trip is needed to clear the log jams but very low water is required to negotiate the Gorge. For this reason you will probably have to leave your craft at the flying fox and come back later when the river has dried out. Tasmap: 1:100 000 Nive. Wedge (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: Lake King William has been down approximately 15m. for a number of years which makes the walking relatively easy across the dried out mudflats. To carry your canoe easily an aluminium pack frame as used by rafters is suggested - a lot easier than dragging you can use the frame till the descent down to the Gordon. Until then you are walking on open button grass plains or through light forest. The track along the Gordon is alternatively muddy and rocky but does not rise or fall very much. The first few kilometres on the river are easy dragging and paddling sitting on the deck, however after about 5 Km. of dragging over rock and the occasional log you enter a horrific log jam that continues down to the Gell River. The 12 Km. down to the Gell River takes nearly 2 days. It is worthwhile to get out on the bank and walk amongst some of the clearings - large grassy or mossy areas, which contrast with the rich rainforest, unburnt for many decades. From the Gell, downstream the countryside opens up, especially downstream of the Tenenfle Marshes. The river is unfortunately still interrupted by logs, through to the flying fox. The Gorge is only 7 Km. Long, but should only be attempted with low water, there are a few portages and you should allow a long day to negotiate this section. The Gorge is the most impressive in Tasmania, the cliffs rising hundreds of metres on either side. A good day trip is using the lowest access point and just doing the gorge, finishing up on Clear Hill Road. The paddle across the lake is only short to the Clear Hill Road or longer to the Island Road boat ramp.

Franklin River <viel zu schwer, ignorieren>
Lyell Highway to Butler Island

Distance: 90 Km.
Average Gradient: 4m/Km. Peak Gradient: 10m/ Km. through Deception Gorge (the "Great Ravine").
Difficulty: Grade 25, grade 6 in sections at high water.
Paddling Time: 6-10 days. Entry Point: Lyell Highway Bridge (A10) on the Collingwood River (Grid ref. 113 314).
Exit Point: Butler Island (Grid ref. 912 867). By prior arrangement (ring 004 717179) catch the Denison Star from the Gordon River out to Strahan.
Water Level: There is a river level gauge at the Collingwood Bridge. Below 0.7m. will be a scratchy, low level descent. Above 1.6m. is not recommended. Though this level may not look impressive at the Collingwood, 50 Km. further down river, with numerous other tributaries, the "Great Ravine" will be virtually uncanoeable. About lm. is a good general level, though this may still necessitate some high portages in the "Great Ravine".
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Franklin, Olga (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The Franklin is probably the most committing river trip available in Tasmania. Though the trip from Lyell Highway to the Gordon River has been done in 24 hours it is necessary to allow at least a week. For many, 10 days will allow a good safety margin and also gives the opportunity to explore the exceptional environment through which you travel. For those interested in detailed notes on the river, it is recommended that you contact the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, who produce a copy of "Notes for Franklin River Rafters and Bushwalkers", which gives detailed descriptions of major rapids, possible campsites and a host of other information. The Franklin is normally commenced from the Collingwood Bridge, on the Lyell Highway which gives a few hours paddle to the actual Franklin River. Otherwise get directly into the river at the Franklin Bridge on the Lyell Highway (if the river is low be prepared for a very rocky start). If the river is low, the run down the Collingwood is grade 2 with a couple of minor portages. If the river is high, a fairly steady grade 3 standard exists. There are numerous rapids once the Franklin is reached. Before the Irenabyss there are two major hazards. Just upstream of the Loddon Tributary there is a huge log spanning the river. Portage is essential, use the left bank. Nasty Notch is about 2 Km. up from the Irenabyss. Portage can be either side. To shoot this at a low level is impossible, the "Notch" being approximately 50 cm. wide.

There are numerous rapids also in this section which may also need inspection and possible portage depending on the river level. The long rapid at the head of the Irenabyss should also be inspected - from Rocky Crag on the left bank (can be portaged on left bank if necessary). The Irenabyss speaks for itself. There are many exceptional areas of this river. Evaluate them as you think fit. They are all totally unique and irreplaceable. From the Irenabyss to the head of the "Great Ravine" is the calm before the storm. This section can take several days and gives some beautiful sights such as Blushrock Falls. This section is generally about grade 2 but keep an eye open for logs. Boats have been broken, rafts severely damaged and lives lost in easier situations.

Deception Gorge (the "Great Ravine") is the most committing section of the Franklin. The river can rise up to a metre an hour in flood. There are four major portages in Deception Gorge, plus other rapids worthy of inspection and possible portage. (1) The Churn. Portage on the left, up to 2 hours. (2) The Corruscades. Depending on level, may be shot or part shot, but the full portage is on the left. (3) Thunderush. If the river is low, portage on the left and seal launch before the rock wall. Otherwise go right, up a very steep precarious path which can be hard to follow. Portage time is up to 6 hours on the right. Take care on the high portage. It could be more difficult than the rapid. (4) The Cauldron. If the river is low, hopping over several boulders on the right is the key to the portage. At high levels a portage on the left is necessary, up to 3 hours. From Deception Gorge there is a pleasant paddle to Rafters Basin with several grade 3 rapids. Get out and inspect as necessary. Below the Andrew River (watch for this on the right), is the Propsting Gorge, with many rapids up to grade 4. Inspect and portage as necessary. Just above Rock Island Bend (The Battleship) is the Pig Trough. Although it has been shot, lives have been lost. There are several portages, the most obvious being on the right hand bank. Below is Newland Cascades a long grade 3-4 depending on river height. A very enjoyable rapid for the experienced. Inspection and portage is easy on the right bank. The lower Franklin is a relaxed drift. Take a torch to explore the caves. Be careful of Double Fall and especially Fig Fall, the stoppers can be mean.

On reaching the Gordon it is recommended that you catch the Morrison's ferry "Denison Star", but be certain that you know where, when and how much to pay. If you intend to paddle all the way to Strahan beware of Macquarie Harbour. This could take up to 2 days and can get quite rough. Sea canoeing experience would be helpful.<<=wichtiger Hinweis, falls wir Macquarie Harbour vorhaben > Definitely not recommended for rafts. As mentioned before, the Franklin should not be underestimated, treat it with awe. There are numerous campsites down the river. Try to use established camps to minimise impact on the environment. Be sure to select a campsite before it gets too dark, and avoid entering the two major Gorges, Deception and Propsting, too late in the day as campsites are difficult to find. The major recognised campsites are: Irenabyss (Grid ref. 8013 023 238) on either side of the river, Corruscades (008 125) on the left bank, Rafter's Basin (989 089) on either side, a nd Black Forest, just after Newland Cascades on the right (985 022). Be extremely cautious with fires as one small mistake could destroy a very large area of wilderness.

Collingwood River <zu kurz, zu schwer, ignorieren>
Bills Creek to Lyell Highway

Distance: 10 Km.
Average Gradient: 4m/Km.
Difficulty: Grade 2-3.
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.
Entry Point: Bills Creek (Grid ref. 053 357). Orx the Lyell Highway (A10) approximately 9 Km. west of the Collingnvood River Bridge.
Exit Point: Lyell Highway Bridge (Grid ref. 113 314).
Water Level: 1-2m. at the Collingwood Bridge gauge.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Franklin (Land Tenure Ind.ex Series).

General Description: The River flows through some beautiful rainforest with interesting grade 2-3 rapids. There may be some portages if the river is low. Walkouts should be from the right bank to the Lyell Highway.

Collingwood River <zu schwer, exit zu mühsam, ignorieren>
Lyell Highway to Franklin Confluence

Distance: 6 km.
Average Gradient: 4m/km.
Difficulty: Grade 2-3.
Paddling Time: 3 hours.
Entry Point: Lyell Highway Bridge (A10) (Grid ref. 113 314).
Exit Point: Franklin River confluence (Grid ref.. 116 273). There is a track that leads up over Donnachy's Hill to the Lyell Highway (Grid ref. 123 279). It is a hard walkout with kayaks.
Water Level: 0.8m.-1.2m. at the Lyell Highway Bridge gauge.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Franklin (Land Tenure Indlex Series).

General Description: This section is a good trip with some tricky grade 2-3 rapids, it is probably better done in conjunction with a Franklin River trip as the walkout at the end is quite difficult.

Little Henty River <zu schwer, ignorieren>
Old Line Road to Little Henty Heads

Distance: 24 Km.
Average Gradient: 6m/Km. Peak Gradient: 10m/ Km. for the first 5 Km.
Difficulty: Grade 3-4.
Paddling Time: 5-6 hours.
Entry Point: The Little Henty Bridge on the Old Line Ranol from 7oDhon to Strahan (Grid ref. CP 645 547).
Exit Point: Walk or paddle from the Heads up to Remine at Trial
Harbour (Grid ref. CP 485 562), unless met at the Heads by fourwheel drive.
Water Level: Check the horizontal bracing on the bridge. If it is within 10 cm. below or 40 cm. above, the river is ok. Below that it is very rocky; above it is very big.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Pieman (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The first 4 Km. are tight grade 2-3 rapids with much boulder dodging and some good drops and stoppers. After this the rlver enters a small gorge. This is almost continuous grade 3-4 water for 500-600m. Halfway down this section the river separates. The left hand
shute is a tricky grade 3-4 lead into a grade 5 drop - "Flan's Folly". There IS a big boulder in the middle of the drop. It is best to portage on the right hand slde.
The next major fall features an undercut rock ledge on the left. Inspection ls necessary but it is usually ok to paddle.
More good grade 2-3 water follows until the "Last Fall", a hard grade 4. There is a right hand lead in, then hard left over a 1.5-2m. drop.
From here to the ocean there are small grade 1-2 rapids.

Andrew River <zu schwer, zu mühsam, ignorieren>
Crotty River Track to Mt. McCall

Distance: Approximately 30 Km.
Average Gradient: 3.3m/Km. drop. Peak Gradient: 4m/Km.
Difficulty: Grade 2-3 (can be grade 3-4 on the Franklin).
Paddling Time: 2 days.
Entry Point: Kelly Basin - look for a rough track where the Crotty River crosses the road, follow this track (Grid ref. 859 214), for about 1 Km., alternative, drag down the Crotty River (Creek).
Exit Point: The Andrew River joins the Franklin just above Mt. McCall haulage way (Grid ref. CN 976 076), either portage up the haulage way and out along the Franklin River Road or continue down the Franklin (The Preferred). Water Level: Good rain is needed 2-3 days before.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Franklin (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The Andrew River is an alternative way into the Franklin River system which ultimately feeds into the Gordon. Frequent log jams are encountered in the first 4-6 Km. and paddling sitting on the deck of the kayak saves getting out to drag over them. Then the river becomes very pleasant and wide with numerous shingle bank type rapids until the junction with the Franklin. A 100m. before the confluence the river goes through a narrow rocky channel. Camping is readily accessible under many myrtles, the area in the main possessing a clear lower storey due to the area being undamaged by fire. The ground is very peaty so be extremely cautious of fires not being extinguished properly.

Denison River <zu schwer, zu abgelegen, ignorieren>
Bombardier Track to Sir John Falls Station

Distance: 70 Km. from end of the Bombardier track which starts at the Clark Dam. OR 45 Km. - land the helicopter on the button grass at Grid ref. 204 890).
Difficulty: Grade 3.
Entry Point: From the end of the Bombardier track which starts at the Clark Dam. OR Fly in by helicopter to Grid ref. 204 890. Helicopter is preferred to avoid the 20 Km. walk. Exit Point: Sir John Falls Ranger Station, Lower Gordon. Ferry to Strahan - remember to advise Morrison's Tourist Services of both estimated time of arrival and number in party. Water Level: Due to nature of the river, low water would mean more portaging over logs, medium is ideal, flood could cause problems in Marriott's Gorge. There is no gauge so just follow the weather pattern.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Olga, Wedge, Nive (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The top section from the Bombardier track down to the marshes on the edge of the Wedge map are clogged with many logs however once onto the Wedge Map the river becomes more navigable There are small but regular shingle type rapids - some with the added hazard of logs. (Camping is easy, it being mainly old rainforest on the river banks. The TRUCHANAS NATURE RESERVE is worthwhile investigating, one of the largest remaining stands of Huon Pine. The rapids through Marriott's Gorge can, in the main, be paddled with a few low level portages. Flood level could make the task less pleasant forcing one to climb cliffs etc. There is a beautiful campsite, a left over from the old piners days, just downstream of Freedom's Gates on the left. From here down to the Denison Gorge is relatively easy paddling, be careful as the last few rapids leading up to the major portage can be quite tricky. Pull out on the left and scout for the portage trail. Allow 1-11/2 hours for the portage, the whole river flows under boulders here. The next couple of kilometres down to the confluence with the Gordon have some most pleasurable rapids on the river. The Gordon Splits are worth investigating thoroughly once the Gordon is reached (a 3 Km. paddle upstream).

Yolande/Henty River <zu schwer, zu kurz, ignorieren>
Zeehan Highway Bridge to Henty Road Bridge

Distance: 8 Km. + 18 Km. on the Henty.
Average Gradient: 10m Km. + 2m/Km. on the Henty.
Difficulty: Grade 2-3.
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours on Yolande + 2-3 hours on Henty.
Entry Point: The Zeehan Highway Bridge (A10) over the Yolande (Grid ref. 765 471).
Exit Point: The Henty Road Bridge (B27) (on the Zeehan-Strahan Road) (Grid ref. 564 460).
Water Level: There is no gauge available, but avoid high water levels because of the first few rapids.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Franklin, Cape Sorell (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The trip is quite easy but caution must be taken due to some steep falls in the first 2 Km. The first, "Bristle Falls" is a 3m. drop about 800m. from the start. It should be portaged on the left bank. The river flows through some beautiful west coast rainforest. Walkouts are difficult after the first kilometre due to the steep gorge, thick bush and isolation from roads. The paddle out on the Henty is mainly flat for the 18 Km.

King River <zu kurz, ignorieren>
Lyell Highway to Crotty

Distance: 15 Km.
Average Gradient: 2m/Km.
Difficulty: Grade 2.
Paddling Time: 4 hours.
Entry Point: Lyell Highway Bridge, 5 Km. east of Gormanston (A10) (Grid ref. 881417).
Exit Point: At a bridge over the King on the Kelly Basin Road (Grid ref. DN 882 315).
Water Level: Any winter level.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Franklin (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The first couple of kilometres have a lot of trees in the river. After them it is all clear going with small grade 1-2 rapids. There is one tricky rapid towards the end which consists of a narrow channel with a small stopper at the bottom. The strength of the stopper depends on water level.

Crossing and Davey River <zu viel Portagen, zu mühsam, ignorieren>

Distance: 17 Km. portage to Crossing River, then 90 Km. to Melaleuca Average Gradient: 6m/Km. Peak Gradient: 20m/Km.
Difficulty: Grade 1-2 in summer.
Paddling Time: 7-10 days.
Entry Point: Take the Gordon River and Scotts Peak (C607) Roads to Scotts Peak dam and proceed 1l/2 Km. to Red Knoll Quarry, take the MacKays Track for 7 Km. until Junction Creek is reached (Grid ref. DN 412 275), then veer right (south) onto the old-Port Davey track, and sklrt around the Western Arthur Range for another 10 Km. until the track meets the Crossing River (Grid ref. DN 324 271) a good campsite. Canoeists carrying or dragging boats should allow a full day for this stage of the journey.
Exit Point: The most logical destination for paddlers completing this trip is the mining settlement of Melaleuca (DM 322 922) which provides an airstrip and access to the south coast walking track. Rafting parties are requested to pre-arrange pickup by fishing boat, or to join the old-Port Davey track of Melaleuca or back to Scotts Peak.
Tasmap: 1:100 000 Old River, Port Davey (Land Tenure Index Series).

General Description: The Crossing River, arising from the Western Arthur Range, is the local route to enter the Davey River, flowing into Port Davey. Scenically, and for wilderness value, these two rivers and the Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour Basins, constitute an excellent trip particularly considering the broad variety of country covered. The Crossing Gorge being particularly spectacular. Several rafting parties have successfully completed all or part of these rivers although to date only one canoeing group has done so, this probably being attributable to the long portage required to reach the Crossing River initially. Crossing River above the Gorge Rafters and canoeists may commence paddling from the Crossing River campsite for half a kilometre of clear river then 1 l/2 km. of extremely heavy log jams, tangled overhanging tree limbs and complex meanders. Three to four hours are required for negotiation. However, it is recommended that this be portaged to the south and the river rejoined where it becomes accessible. The Crossing opens out considerably after its confluence with the Dodd River and there is a relatively uneventful run of pools and shingle rapids before the upper end of the Crossing Gorge (with suitable campsites) is reached (Grid ref. DN 265 238).

Crossing Gorge (5-8 hours): In the first section of gorge the river forms pools between piles of massive boulders and progress is relatively slow, after which the countryside opens out slightly prior to entering the second section. The river makes a right hand bend at the base of an intensely stratified 250m. cliff rising sheer out of the riverbed. Negotiation of the huge boulders lying in the river takes some time and portaging over these with loaded boats is particularly difficult. The forest downstream of the gorge is extremely dense for several kilometres and campsites are scarce. One campsite can be found at DN 220 215. To confluence with the Davey. Below the gorge the river is again characterised by alternating shingle rapids and pools and the surrounding countryside flattens out considerably over the 15 km. to the confluence. On the western bank of the Davey River immediately opposite the confluence is a large pebble bank, forming a logical campsite (DN 175 268).

Davey River to Settlement Point (6 hours): In contrast to negotiating the Crossing, the Davey River provides reasonably open paddling with no portages necessary. The Davey Gorge is 9 km. downstream of the confluence campsite and marks the spot where the river becomes tidal. The gorge itself, although not as spectacular as that on the Crossing, is nonetheless impressive with inclined ridges emerging from the hillsides and straight out of the river on either bank. Flat open paddling is found below the gorge as the river gradually widens, ultimately flowing past Settlement Point into Payne Bay and Port Davey.

Settlement Point to Melaleuca: Canoeists in seaworthy boats (as the passage across Port Davey is very exposed) should camp the next night at Bond Bay (DN 108 101) then head out for the Bathurst Channel if conditions are favourable. Diversions to Berry Head and Kathleen Island are well worthwhile as both are riddled with large sea caves. Bramble Cove (DN 190 929) 12 km. from Bond Bay is an idyllic campsite if required, otherwise strong parties may proceed another 14 km. along the Bathurst Narrows to "Claytons" (DM 295 973) where an old fisherman's house (complete with bath) is hidden near a jetty in a bay on the south western shore of Bathurst Harbour. Melaleuca itself, where a public hut is available (DM 322 922), lies 6 km. up Melaleuca inlet, and it is from here that parties should fly out (by prior arrangement!). It should be possible to arrange to have boats and bulky gear brought out at a later date by fishing boat. In conclusion this is a most worthwhile trip covering a great deal of territory in a rarely visited area. It must be remembered however, that due to that exposed nature of the south west in general, and the remote Port Davey region in particular, it is essential that parties are fully self sufficient and well equipped.

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