Tully River Rafting

Overview

Take on the world-class Tully River and tackle exhilarating grade 3 and 4 rapids as you journey through a breathtaking gorge, surrounded by World Heritage rainforest in this full day tour! Renowned as Australia’s premier rafting destination, the Tully River offers guaranteed water levels year-round for non-stop adventure.

Check-In

Check-in is mandatory for all guests (1x per person) and must be completed prior to rafting. Click the following link to complete your check-in.

NOTE: For guests under 18yrs, please see [terms and conditions] prior to completing

Check-In

Pick-Up Information

  • Self Drive to our Depot: 10:15am – Meet at 36 O’Keefe St. Free street parking.
  • Cairns City: 10:15am – 10:45am
  • Mission Beach: 11:45am – 12:00pm
  • Self Drive to Tully: 12:55pm – Meet at the Golden Gumboot (a landmark) in Tully – The corner of Hort and Butler Street in Tully.

Important: The Golden Gumboot in Tully is our main meeting point, where all guests come together prior to the tour, including those arriving via our Cairns and Mission Beach transfers and those making their own way to Tully. Arrival is approximately 12:55pm, followed by around 30 minutes for check-in with our guides before heading to the river.

If you need to grab some lunch or refreshments, there are several nearby food outlets within easy walking distance.

Please contact us if you are unsure of your pick-up time or location on phone +61 7 4042 7300 or email info@cairnsadventuregroup.com.au.

What to Bring

  • A towel
  • Change of clothes
  • Secure Shoes
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (we recommend applying away from the water’s edge, at least 20 mins prior to the activity)
  • Lunch*
  • Cash / Credit Card / A Payment Method – If you have booked via a Travel Agent or Online, you may have a $35pp River Levy to pay on the day. This can be done with cash or card (1.5% surcharge applies), payable on the bus. You will also need some form of payment if you wish to use our shoe hire, or purchase sunglasses straps and/or photo memories.

*Dinner is included. There is an opportunity to purchase lunch (own expense) in Tully.

What to Wear

To get the most out of your rafting experience, wear lightweight clothing that remains comfortable when wet. Your life jacket works best when you’re wearing fitted, water-friendly clothing, so avoid anything bulky, loose, or heavy.

June to August (Winter)

Wear thermal or long-sleeve tops and bottoms that are:

  • Close-fitting
  • Suitable for water activities
  • Lightweight when wet

Please do not wear denim, tracksuit pants, fleece jumpers, hoodies, or other heavy materials.

During the colder months, a limited number of thermal rash vests are available for guest use.

October to December

To help deter marsh flies, we recommend wearing:

  • Bright-coloured clothing such as yellow, white, or fluorescent colours
  • Lightweight clothing suitable for water activities

Denim and other heavy materials are not permitted.

All Other Months

Wear:

  • Sun-smart clothing suitable for water activities
  • Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics

Denim and heavy materials are not permitted.

Footwear

Secure footwear is required.

Suitable options include:

  • Reef shoes
  • Old runners
  • Sandals with a heel strap
  • Crocs worn with the heel strap engaged (“sports mode”)

If you don’t have suitable footwear, shoes can be hired for $5 per pair. This can be arranged in advance through our office or on the day with your guide.

Please note: Your shoes will get wet. Hiking boots and other heavy footwear are not suitable.

Clothing Restrictions

For safety reasons, you cannot participate in rafting if you are wearing clothing that may become heavy, restrictive, or unsafe when wet, including:

  • Jeans or denim clothing
  • Tracksuit pants
  • Loose-fitting or baggy pants
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Hoodies
  • Heavy jumpers or jackets
  • Any clothing that becomes bulky or waterlogged when wet

If you’re unsure whether your clothing is suitable, please contact our team before your tour.

Important Notes

  • 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.

  • If you’ve booked via a travel agent or online, you may have a $35 per person River Levy to pay on the day. This can be settled with cash or card on the bus (please note a 1.5% surcharge applies to card payments).
  • Secure footwear is required. If needed, shoes can be hired for $5 per pair by calling our office in advance or directly from our guides on the day.
  • If you wear glasses or sunglasses, we strongly recommend using straps. These can be purchased for $5 each through our office or with our guides.
  • All guests must be over 13 years old.
  • Expectant mothers are not permitted to participate.
  • Please disclose any medical conditions prior to travel. If you’re unsure about your ability to participate, we recommend consulting with a medical practitioner. Medical details must be noted on your pre-arrival check-in form.
  • You can capture the adventure with our Rafting Photo Package – $59, available to pre-purchase through our office or directly with our guides after the tour.
  • Personal belongings will be securely stored on the bus, which will meet you at the bottom of the river post-tour.
  • For more information on accessibility, visit our Accessibility Page

This tour operates within the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Please help us protect this special environment by:
  • Placing all rubbish in bins or taking it with you
  • Respecting wildlife – do not touch, feed, or interfere with animals
  • Staying on designated paths at all times
  • Following your Guide’s instructions
We proudly support the principles of Leave No Trace – learn more HERE

FAQ's and Contact Us

  • Can I take a GoPro Rafting?

    Yes! GoPro’s are permitted if they are secured to your body. They cannot be handheld or loose in the boat.

  • What dietary requirements can you cater for?

    On the dinner menu, there is an option for both Vegan and Vegetarian. Please contact us for any dietary requirements outside of this.

  • What safety equipment is provided?

    Life jackets and helmets are provided and checked by our Guides before the activity. Shoes and glasses straps can be hired or purchased.