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Port Douglas Rafting Tours
Our Port Douglas rafting tours deliver an epic half day adventure on the beautiful Barron River. We’ll collect you from your Port Douglas accommodation and transfer you to the Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. Here the Barron River winds through a dramatic granite gorge framed by lush rainforest. Expect an exciting mix of grade 3 rapids balanced with calmer stretches where you can relax, float and take in the scenery. Consistent water flows are maintained year round thanks to daily releases from the Barron Gorge Hydro power station. Tours operate daily with convenient return transfers from Port Douglas, plus a self drive option if preferred. No prior experience is required, making this a fantastic option for first timers and thrill seekers alike.
Port Douglas Rafting. 2 hours rafting on the Barron River. Adventures for everyone.
PORT DOUGLAS RAFTING TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
ADVENTURE RAFTING
Our Port Douglas rafting tours deliver an exciting mix of grade 3 rapids and relaxed floating sections, creating the perfect balance of thrill and scenery. No previous experience is required, just a willingness to get involved and have fun. Welcome to white water rafting.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDES
Experienced River Guides lead every Port Douglas rafting tour with energy, skill and a strong focus on safety. They deliver clear instruction, expert knowledge and plenty of fun along the way. They’re recognised leaders in river safety and maintain the highest standards.
BEAUTIFUL BARRON RIVER
The Barron River has shaped the dramatic walls of the Barron Gorge, over thousands of years. On this tour you’ll follow its path, paddling through a spectacular rainforest landscape, riding the rapids and navigating the natural features that make this river unforgettable.
ANCIENT RAINFOREST
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is globally recognised for its outstanding natural beauty, and the Barron Gorge National Park is part of it. Rafting down the Barron River offers a unique perspective of this remarkable landscape, from the river itself.
STUNNING SCENERY
Enjoy stunning scenery on our Port Douglas rafting tours. Towering gorge walls rise up either side of you, with large boulders on the river banks and helping to create rapids. This place is a testament to nature’s power and beauty.
GREEN POWER
The Barron River also plays an important role in renewable energy generation, through the 66 MW Barron Gorge Hydro power station. Controlled water releases support consistent rafting conditions.
PORT DOUGLAS RAFTING TOURS Rates and Information
Our Port Douglas 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 (Lake Placid Car Park)$128 per person + $30 levy = $158
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Port Douglas Transfers & Tour$159 per person + $30 levy = $189
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Digital Action Photos
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Tour DurationUp to 5.5 Hours ex Port Douglas.
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Rates are Valid to31/03/26
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. Thermal tops and dry tops available for $5 for hire each.
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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 Port Douglas Rafting Tours have an afternoon departure*, so pending availability it can be booked in the morning on the day of travel. There’s the option to include return transfers* from Port Douglas or choose the self-drive option. This tour includes roughly 2 hours of rafting on the Barron River with all equipment, training and a professional river guide. Minimum age to participate is 12 years and participants under 18 must be with a responsible adult. No prior rafting experience is required.
*If you book the transfers, pick-up times from Port Douglas commence at 1.45pm. If you self-drive you must be at the designated meeting point at 3pm.
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 to have 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 tour?
The rafting itself is about 2 hours. With transfers and briefing included, allow up to about 5.5 hours for the full Port Douglas Rafting experience.
Is transport included?
Yes. Return transfers from Port Douglas accommodation are included if you select that option when booking. A self-drive option is also available.
Is safety gear 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 I meet for the tour?
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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