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Cairns Rafting Tours
The Beautiful Barron River. Our Cairns rafting tours are an adrenalin rush and fantastic introduction to white water rafting. These half day tours are hosted on the Barron River, in the Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. The natural surroundings are stunning. Towering rainforest mountains, giant granite boulders and the ever-changing face of the river itself, which provides an exciting combination of nail-biting grade 3 rapids and peaceful, calm water floating. Water levels are guaranteed throughout the year, thanks to the operations of the 66 MW Barron Gorge Hydro power station. Our Cairns rafting tours operate every day, with pick-ups from Cairns and Port Douglas (or self-drive). There’s no experience necessary to participate in this Cairns rafting tour, as our world class River Guides have got you covered.
Get ready for fun, excitement and exhilaration on the Barron River. Spectacular river, 2 hours of rafting, adventures for everyone.
CAIRNS RAFTING TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
ADVENTURE RAFTING
Cairns rafting tours combine a series of grade 3 rapids with calm water floating, for adventure and action. Experience is not necessary. A sense of adventure is. Great introduction to white water rafting.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDES
Our professional Raft Guides will keep you entertained throughout our half day Cairns rafting tours, whilst also keeping you safe. They’re recognised leaders in river safety and maintain the highest standards.
BEAUTIFUL BARRON RIVER
The Barron River carved out the Barron Gorge over hundreds of thousands of years, with nothing more than the power of its flow. Experience the rapids and wild ride down the gorge.
ANCIENT RAINFOREST
The Barron Gorge National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, recognised internationally as being a place of superlative natural beauty. Take in the views all around you from the river.
STUNNING SCENERY
On Cairns rafting tours, you’re surrounded by thick, lush rainforest, which covers the mountains from the top to the bottom, growing right down to the waters edge. A stunning backdrop.
GREEN POWER
The Barron River is an integral part of clean, green energy production thanks to the operations of the 66 MW Barron Gorge Hydro. You’re rafting in pristine water, which helps power Cairns.
Cairns Rafting Tours Rates and Information
Cairns rafting tours are a good introduction to white water rafting, no previous experience or swimming ability is required. Rafting Guides can deliver basic instructions in Mandarin and Japanese. If you’re concerned about your ability to participate, please contact our office. There are very limited facilities where you can get changed after the tour so it’s best to wait until you return to your accommodation. Rafting is not suitable for anyone who may be pregnant.
The minimum age to participate is 12 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
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Self Drive$165 per person
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Cairns Transfers$184 per person
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Port Douglas Transfers$200 per person
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River Levies$35 per person River Levy included in above rates
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Digital Action Photos
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Tour DurationUp to 4 Hours ex Cairns.
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Rates are Valid to31/03/27
Additional Information
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Minimum Age12 years Please refer to Terms & Conditions
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IncludesReturn transfers (if not self driving), River Guide, training & equipment
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What To BringA 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. 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.
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Don't ForgetTo 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.
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ValuablesValuables should be left at your accommodation. The following items can be left on the bus - dry clothes, daily medication, ticket / voucher, wallets and watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book this today?
Yes – the Cairns Rafting Tours have an afternoon departure*, so pending availability it can be booked in the morning on the day of travel. You can choose to self-drive* to the tour starting point, or book return transfers with pick-ups commencing at 2.30pm. The experience includes all safety gear, professional guides and fun rapids. It’s suitable for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike.
*If you self-drive you must be at the designated meeting point at 3pm. This is at the car park at 101 Lake Placid Road. Our team will meet you at the carpark – please wait with your vehicle.
What should I bring?
Wear swimwear under your clothes and secure footwear with heel straps*. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, water and your booking voucher. Leave valuables at your accommodation.
*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 to participate?
No rafting experience is needed. Guides will show you everything you need to know for a safe and fun trip.
What age limits are there?
You must be at least 12 years old to join this tour. Those under 18 must travel with a responsible guardian.
How long is the Cairns Rafting Tour?
The rafting itself is about 2 hours. With transfers and briefing included, allow up to about 4.5 hours for the full Cairns Rafting experience.
Is transport included?
Yes. Return transfers from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation are included when you choose that option at booking. Self-drive options are also available.
Is safety equipment provided?
All safety gear including helmets and life jackets is provided and included in your tour. Guides are trained and focused on safety throughout the experience.
What if the weather changes?
Tours operate in most weather conditions. If river levels or weather make rafting unsafe, we will contact you prior to departure with options to reschedule or alternative experiences.
Can non-swimmers join?
Yes. The Barron River rafting sections include calmer stretches as well as rapids, and guides will support you throughout the tour. However confidence around water is recommended.
Is rafting suitable for families?
Yes. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity for those 12 and over. Watch the river scenery and rainforest surroundings as you travel through the gorge. Please note this tour is not suitable for expectant mothers.
Where do we meet?
Pickup details and meeting times are confirmed after you book. If self-driving, you will meet at the designated start point at Lake Placid, which is at the car park at 101 Lake Placid Road. Our team will meet you at the carpark – please wait with your vehicle.
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