King for the Day is an exhilarating full day rafting experience through the lush wilderness of the West Coast's temperate rainforest. This 20 km journey down the King River is Tasmania's only regular one day wilderness rafting trip and a highlight of any visit to Tasmania's West Coast. This trip has it all, from the exhilaration of the swiftly flowing gorge and the roar of the famous Sailor Jack Rapid, to the serenity of the rivers tree-lined lower reaches.
From Queenstown, our experienced guides will take you to Newall Creek on the King River, where your rafting experience begins. The journey down the river will take about six hours. We will paddle past thousands of Huon Pine trees, see the Garfield River platypus pool, traverse the Sailor Jack rapid, spot the Abt Railway, discover West Coast mining history and more. Wildlife in the thick West Coast bush can be hard to see but you may catch a glimpse of a timid platypus or a subtle movement signalling a passing wallaby.
The small birds of the forest are about and as you near the sea the White-bellied Sea Eagle may be soaring overhead. Evidence of past mining and man’s industrialisation will be everywhere, slowly rusting back into the bush as nature reclaims its own. Our skilled guides will tell of both the natural and human history of the area and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable day.
The first part of King for the Day is through the King River Gorge with plenty of rapids, fun and excitement. After the gorge the river quickly flattens out to a wide wilderness river with a few small rapids. If you are looking for a fun and exciting day of white water rafting maybe have a look at our King River Gorge Raft & Steam Experience and catch the West Coast Wilderness Railway back to Queenstown from the Dubbil Barril Train Station at the end of the King River Gorge. If you are looking for a full day journey on a magnificent wilderness river including a great lunch, scenery and stories then the King for the Day is for you.
Experience Highlights
- Raft the King River Gorge with exciting rapids to grade three
- Get up close to ancient rainforest and rare Huon Pine and King Billy Pine trees
- Unspoiled environment of the Garfield River
- Portage the exhilerating Sailor Jack rapid. This involves a short steep walk up and down, using existing steps, ropes & ladders.
- Experience calm serene reaches
- Interact with the West Coast Wilderness Railway
- Catch glimpses of local wildlife and birds
- Visit sites of historical interest including the original town of Teepookana and the old Cascades Hotel
Inclusions
- Full day wilderness rafting experience
- Trained and qualified guides
- Comprehensive commentary on the natural and human history of the area
- All the requisite rafting and safety gear, including wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket
- Generous & scrumptious King River Rafting Lunch, plus River snacks of sweets and nuts and water
- Transport to and from the river from Queenstown.
- Use of waterproof cameras to take photos of your rafting experience (Take these memories with you: purhcase a King River Rafting USB drive with all your photos for $25)
- Review the days photos on the return trip to Queenstown on our bus' TV
- All day paid parking available at the West Coast Wilderness Railway Station.
Suitable for: families with stronger children.
Cost: Adults $260, Children $190 (10 - 15 yrs)
Start time: 8am
End time: Approx. 5pm
Duration: 9 hours
Start & end location: West Coast Wilderness Railway station, in Driffield Street, Queenstown
Minimum group of 4, maximum 30.
Operates 7 days per fortnight.