Tully River Rafting

The World Class Tully River. Get ready to conquer grade 3 and 4 rapids on a wild ride through a spectacular gorge, surrounded by World Heritage rainforest. The Tully River is internationally recognised as Australia’s best rafting river. Water levels are guaranteed throughout the year, thanks to the operations of the 88 MW Kareeya Hydro power station. Our Tully River rafting adventures coincide with the power station water release, ensuring you’re in for some serious action whenever you raft with us. Our Tully River rafting tours operate daily with departures from Cairns, Mission Beach and Tully. There’s no prior rafting experience necessary and both white-water thrill seekers and absolute beginners can tackle the rapids, as our world class River Guides have got you covered.

Get ready for awesome rainforest rafting on the Tully River. Tackle world class rapids as they rip down the gorge, with giant granite boulders and a scenic backdrop like no other.

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Priced from ~ $240
Duration ~ Full Day
Minimum Age ~ 13
Fitness Level ~ Medium

TULLY RIVER RAFTING HIGHLIGHTS

ADVENTURE RAFTING

Get ready for a white water adventure of a lifetime. You’ll smash down world famous grade 3 and 4 rapids during this epic rafting tour on the Tully River. Experience is not necessary. A sense of adventure is.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDES

Our highly-trained Raft Guides are passionate about sharing the experience of a lifetime with you, keeping you safe and making sure you have an amazing day on the water. We set the benchmark for safety.

WORLD CLASS RIVER

The Tully River is world class and hosted the 2019 World Rafting Championships. The titles were hotly contended by a few hundred of the world’s best rafters, from around 16 different countries. Raise your paddles.

ANCIENT RAINFOREST

Tully Gorge National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, home to the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests. It’s home to plants and animals found nowhere else.

STUNNING SCENERY

Mighty mountains covered with thick rainforest encase your rafting route. Giant basalt columns rise up, with waterfalls tumbling down around you. The beauty of this area will blow your mind.

GREEN POWER

The Tully River is an integral part of clean, green energy production, thanks to the operations of the 88MW Kareeya Hydro. You’re rafting in pristine water, which helps power North Queensland.

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Tully River Rafting Rates and Information

Please note that you MUST HAVE a competent swimming ability and be able to understand and follow River Guide instructions in English, to participate in Tully River rafting. This is for your safety. English speaking and comprehension will be assessed by River Guides at the time of pick-up; if there are concerns about your ability to understand instructions and communicate with our River Guides, you will not be able to participate in the tour and no refund is available or will be provided. Rafting is not suitable for anyone who may be pregnant.

Dietary requirements must be advised at the time of booking. The minimum age to participate is 13 years, those under 18 years must travel with a responsible guardian or adult. For your safety you will not be permitted to raft if we detect you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and in these instances, no refund will apply. If you have any medical conditions you are worried about, please talk to our friendly team. Action digital photos of the day will be available to buy at the end of the tour, please see link below.

Rates and Tour Duration

  • Planned Maintenance
    Tully River Rafting will be unavailable from 04 August to 05 September 2026 due to scheduled Hydro Power Station maintenance. Tours will resume after this period. Looking for an alternative? Book Barron River Rafting instead and experience an unforgettable afternoon adventure close to Cairns.
  • Self Drive
    $240 per person
  • Mission Beach Transfers
    $260 per person
  • Cairns Transfers
    $280 per person
  • River Levies
    $35 per person River Levy is included in the above rates
  • Digital Action Photos
  • Tour Duration
    12 Hours
  • Rates are Valid to
    31/03/27

Additional Information

  • Minimum Age
  • Includes
    Return transfers, all training & equipment & 1 meal
  • What To Bring
    A smile on your dial and a sense of adventure. Please wear your swimming costume under your clothes and bring a towel and a spare change of clothes. In cooler months bring a long sleeved rash top or thermal. During October to December it is March fly season. We recommend wearing strong insect repellent and bright coloured clothing - yellow/white/orange/fluorescent. Also bring your voucher and money for additional refreshments and purchase of any digital photos you may like as an awesome reminder of your epic adventure. Please leave jewellery and valuables at your accommodation.
  • Don't Forget
    To wear secure shoes. Footwear with a heel strap must be worn and hire shoes are available for $5, if you don’t want your shoes getting wet. Thermal tops and dry tops available for $5 for hire each.
  • Valuables
    Valuables should be left at your accommodation. The following items can be left on the bus - dry clothes, daily medication, ticket / voucher, wallets and watches.

Accessibility Information

Companion Cards Holders Welcome

Partially Accessible. Foldable wheelchairs only, with some stairs. Upper body strength needed

Sufficient vision required to identify ropes and potential hazards.

Ability to hear and follow guide instructions required.

Moderate - High Fitness.

Some Intellectual Levels. Carers welcome if needed.

Not suitable for pregnant guests.

More Info

What To Bring

Camera

Hat

Swimwear

Sunscreen

Towel

Smile

Water

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book this today?

Yes – the Tully River Rafting Tours have a morning departure* commencing at 10am, so pending availability and the time of your booking, it can be booked on the morning on the day of travel. There’s the option to include return transfers from Cairns and Mission Beach or self-drive* and meet the group in Tully. This world-class rafting experience tackles grade 3 and 4 rapids through a spectacular gorge in Tully Gorge National Park. All safety gear, training and a meal are included and a part of the adventure.

*If self-driving, please note you need to be at the meeting location at 12.55pm. This is at the Golden Gumboot (a landmark) in Tully, the corner of Hort and Butler Street in Tully.

What should I bring?

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, spare clothes, sturdy shoes with heel straps*, sunscreen, insect repellent and plenty of water. Bring your booking confirmation and any cash for extras like photos or snacks.

*Any shoe with a back strap or that wraps around the heel. Examples include crocs (in sports mode), sandals (with a back strap), old runners and reef shoes. If you do not have suitable shoes, they can be hired from us for $5 per pair. This can be arranged in advance by calling our Office, or on the day with our Guides. This is in addition to the tour cost.

Do I need rafting experience?

No prior rafting experience is necessary. Guides provide full safety briefings and training. You should have enthusiasm for white water adventure.

Who can join this tour?

Participants must be at least 13 years old. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For everyone’s safety, all Tully River rafting participants must be capable swimmers and able to understand safety briefings in English. Our River Guides will assess English comprehension at pick‑up. If you are unable to understand instructions well enough to participate safely, you will not be able to join the tour. Refunds are not available in this situation. Rafting is not suitable for expectant mothers.

How long is the tour?

This is a full day adventure. With transfers, rafting, breaks and a meal included, set aside about 10–12 hours for the experience.

What level of fitness do I need?

Moderate to high fitness level needed. Guests will paddle for around 2.5 to 3 hours on the river and help carry the raft after the tour. Swimming skills are required, and life jackets are provided and must be worn throughout the adventure.

Is transport included?

Return transfers from selected pickup locations are included if you select that option when booking. Self-drive is also an option if you prefer. If self-driving, please note you need to be at the meeting location at 12.55pm. This is at the Golden Gumboot (a landmark) in Tully, the corner of Hort and Butler Street in Tully.

Is safety equipment provided?

Yes. Helmets, life jackets and all necessary safety equipment are provided. Guides are experienced and focus on keeping you safe while you enjoy the rapids.

What happens if the weather changes?

Tours operate in most weather conditions. If extreme weather or unsafe river levels occur, you will be contacted to discuss rescheduling or alternative options.

Are meals included?

Yes. A meal at a local country-style pub or similar is included as part of the Tully rafting experience after you’ve finished on the river.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. For everyone’s safety all Tully River rafting participants must be capable swimmers and be able to understand safety briefings in English. Our River Guides will assess English comprehension at pick‑up. If you are unable to understand instructions well enough to participate safely, you will not be able to join the tour. Refunds are not available in this situation.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meeting points and times depend on whether you choose transfers from Cairns, Mission Beach, or Tully. Details will be confirmed after booking.

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