I've wanted to do this trip for a long time but the logistics have always kept it in the 'too hard basket'. Finally in December 2021 it all came together into an amazing trip in a remote part of the state. The trip we did was from Farquhars Bridge (which isn't actually there anymore) to Kanunnah Bridge which is described in more detail in WikiRiver. Stephen, from 'Tasmania on Tour' took care of the tranport at each end as it would have been a long car shuffle otherwise. We spent a week on the river, using a mixture of packrafts and 2 person rafts from Watermarked Expedition Services.
We were lucky that recent rains had brought the river level up somewhat otherwise it would have been a scratchy start. As it was there was enough water to paddle most of the rapids although we portaged a couple that had logs in them. However flood debris that was 3m above river height was a constant reminder that this river can be a very different story at times. Added to this were the things we found along the way. First was a raft pump, then a whole backpack full of gear and for good measure a beer (which was still very drinkable). We learned later that the pack had come from a school group who had flipped a raft which trying to cross the flooded river. After one attempt they called for help and were eventually helicoptered across.
We found many beautiful campsites in open old growth myrtle forest along the way however one surprising issue was water. Due to historical mining operations it isn't safe to drink the water, so we had to collect water from side streams. Fortunately there are plenty of rivers and creeks entering the Arthur but it was an unusual problem to have here in Tasmania. We say no one else during the week we were out, with Trowutta Bridge, the Savage River slurry pipeline, the odd 'murder shanty' and forestry operations being the only reminders of civilisation. More memorable though was a the snake swimming across the river, a crayfish, sea eagle and the time spent with friends.
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