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Wheelchair Accessible Rafting On The Tully
White water rafting the Tully River is a bucket-list adventure for many visitors to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. Big rapids, rainforest scenery, teamwork, nerves, laughter and a serious sense of achievement all come with the experience. But for wheelchair guests, the question is often much bigger than “will it be fun?” It becomes, “Can this actually be done?” For one Cairns Adventure Group guest, Stuart, the answer has been yes. Not once, but across three consecutive years. As an incomplete paraplegic and wheelchair user, Stuart has rafted the Tully River multiple times with the support of Cairns Adventure Group’s guiding team, led by Senior Guide and Trip Leader Paul Porteus. It is a remarkable example of what can be possible when experience, preparation, communication and trust come together on the river.
A Rare Tully River Rafting Experience
For Stuart, the Tully River has become more than a one-off adventure. It has become something worth returning to. “Rafting the Tully River is an incredible experience, and being able to do it multiple times as a wheelchair user speaks to the quality and professionalism of this team. From the outset, I’ve been treated not as a limitation to manage, but as a capable adventurer to support, and that mindset makes all the difference.”
“Paul has been central to that experience. His professionalism, calm confidence and genuine care create an environment where trust comes naturally. On a world-class river like the Tully, that trust is essential. Paul consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels safe, included and part of the team, without ever making accessibility feel like an afterthought. I keep coming back year after year because this company proves that adventure can be inclusive without compromising excitement or safety. Knowing my participation has sparked broader conversations about accessibility within the business means a great deal to me.” – Stuart. Stuart’s words say a lot about what accessible adventure should feel like. Included. Supported. Safe. Exciting.
The Tully River is one of Australia’s most iconic white water rafting locations. It is a Grade 3 to 4 river, which means it is exciting, physical and unpredictable by nature. That is why accessibility on the Tully River needs to be approached carefully and honestly. This is not a fully wheelchair accessible activity for every guest. Suitability depends on the individual, their mobility, strength, confidence in water, support needs and the conditions on the day.
But Stuart’s story shows that, for the right guest with the right support, wheelchair accessible white water rafting is possible. Over three consecutive years, Stuart has returned to raft the Tully River with Cairns Adventure Group. Each trip has required planning, additional guide support and a strong understanding of what Stuart needed to feel safe, included and empowered throughout the experience.
Meet Paul Porteus, Senior Guide and Trip Leader
A huge part of Stuart’s experience has been the support of Paul Porteus. Paul has been guiding on the Tully River for more than 19 years and is one of the most respected figures in adventure tourism in Far North Queensland. In 2025, he is a Senior Guide and Trip Leader with Cairns Adventure Group, guiding guests through one of the most exciting white water rafting experiences in Australia. Paul’s guiding philosophy is simple: “Safety first, fun always, teamwork forever.” On the river, that philosophy matters. Paul is known for his ability to read both water and people. He can support nervous first-timers, adapt experiences where possible for guests with disability, lead the team through changing river conditions and create an atmosphere where guests feel calm, included and ready to take on the adventure. For Stuart, that approach made all the difference.
Adventure tourism is often seen as something that only fits one type of guest. Fit, confident, able-bodied and ready for anything. But stories like Stuart’s challenge that idea. They show that inclusive adventure is not about removing the adventure. It is about looking carefully at what might be possible, planning well, communicating clearly and building the right support around the guest. Stuart’s experience has also helped spark broader conversations about accessibility within Cairns Adventure Group. That matters because every guest experience teaches the team something. Every thoughtful adaptation helps build knowledge. Every successful trip helps open the door a little wider for future guests.
Planning a Tully River Rafting Trip with a Wheelchair? If you are a wheelchair user, travelling with a wheelchair guest, or supporting someone with mobility needs, please contact the Cairns Adventure Group team before booking. Tully River Rafting may be possible for some wheelchair guests, but suitability needs to be discussed before the day of travel. Our team can talk through mobility, transfers, water confidence, support needs, access requirements and whether Tully River Rafting is the right fit. If it is not suitable, we can also help talk through other Cairns adventure options that may be better suited.