Mersey River
Also known as: Mersey Gorge, Alum Cliffs
Massive Alum Cliffs gorge (canyon depths up to ~2,000 ft), The Chasm, peregrine falcon nesting cliffs, Indigenous-significant sites, willow-lined lower valley
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Fed by Rowallan Power Station releases plus rain; variable; former National Slalom Championships site below Rowallan
Nov-Mar mainly; flow-dependent
Summer Nov-Mar (rafting.com). Confirm. Operators run spring-autumn
Cold Tasmanian highland water; wetsuit/thermal layers; camps riverside
Rain, cold water; rising levels in the confined gorge; can reach Grade V in flood
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
Grade II-III (Class II-III); some rapids into Grade III range; up to Grade V in high water per seed. Confirm.
Packraft / raft / kayak (guided)
3-day full gorge trip; or shorter one-day Alum Cliffs rafting variants
Age 13+ (operator); beginners eased in on gentle day-1 water; moderate fitness
The run
Alum Cliffs gorge day 2 is most intensive; 'The Chasm' tight constriction on day 3; rapids incl First Drop, Berlin Wall, The Washing Machine
Grade III sections and gorge constrictions; The Chasm; strainers; scout/portage at high water
Alum Cliffs Gorge (Mersey River)
Low; wilderness gorge, small guided groups
Access & shuttle
Commercial tour fee - Confirm; Alum Cliffs State Reserve / Crown land
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Put-in on Mersey via bus from Launceston; take-out at Liena; road access at gorge ends only
Operator bus transfer from/to Launceston
Riverbank camps night 1 (head of gorge) and night 2 (in the gorge), operator-provided; all meals lunch day1 to lunch day3
Operator supplies rafts and most gear (bring own sleeping bag/mat); no mobile signal in gorge
Launceston, Deloraine, Mole Creek hubs; Cradle Mountain Canyons; Tasmanian Expeditions
Hazards & exits
Confined gorge - levels rise fast in rain (up to Grade V); cold; remote, no signal; committing multiday
Remote gorge with limited mid-route egress; guides carry comms and manage rescue
Guided (Cradle Mountain Canyons or Tasmanian Expeditions); two guides
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.