Tully River Rafting

Activities

• Transfers
• Meals
• White Water Rafting

Features

• Rafting gear
• Safety briefing and paddling instruction
• Guided rafting experience
• Over 27 rapids
• Grade 3 to 4 rafting
• Hearty pub dinner
• Digital action photos available for purchase

The Tour

Cairns or Mission Beach Pick-Up

Guests are picked up from their accommodation in Cairns or Mission Beach, depending on their booking option. The journey to Tully offers scenic views of Far North Queensland.

Golden Gumboot Meeting Point

Upon arrival in Tully, participants meet at the Golden Gumboot. Self-driving guests join the group here before everyone proceeds to Tully Gorge.

Gear Fitting and Safety Briefing

In Tully Gorge, participants are fitted with rafting gear and receive a comprehensive safety briefing from experienced guides. No previous rafting experience is necessary, but guests must be competent swimmers.

Rafting Adventure

The rafting experience on the Tully River spans approximately three hours, covering over 27 rapids. The river's grade 3 to 4 rapids provide an exhilarating challenge, amidst the backdrop of World Heritage rainforest. Each raft accommodates up to seven guests and one guide.

Conclusion and Dinner

After the rafting adventure, guests change into dry clothes and head to El Arish Tavern for a hearty pub dinner. This is an opportunity to relax, view photos from the day, and share experiences with fellow rafters.

Return Journey

Following dinner, guests are transported back to their accommodation in Cairns or Mission Beach, concluding the full-day adventure.

Tour options

• Cairns & Northern Beaches Transfers from $280 Ideal for those staying in Cairns, this option includes accommodation transfers, making it convenient for guests traveling from the city. Enjoy a full day of rafting and a pub dinner before returning to Cairns.
• Self Drive | Meet at Lake Placid from $240 Perfect for those who prefer to drive themselves, this option allows guests to meet the group at the Golden Gumboot in Tully. Includes the full rafting experience and a pub dinner.
• Mission Beach Transfers from $260 Includes transfers from Mission Beach, making it suitable for guests staying in the area. Experience the full day of rafting and enjoy a pub dinner before returning to Mission Beach.
• Pick-up Mission Beach, Drop-off Cairns from $245 This option caters to guests starting in Mission Beach and finishing in Cairns. It includes the full rafting experience, a pub dinner, and transfers between both locations.

What to bring

• Lace-up shoes or sandals that will not fall off your feet
• Swimming costume
• Change of clothes
• Sweater for the bus ride home
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Money for snacks, souvenirs, and photos

Meeting point

For the Tully River Rafting tour with Cairns Transfers, pickups occur from accommodations and central points across the Cairns area between 10:15am and 11:00am. Please be ready at your assigned pickup point at least 5 minutes before departure. For the Self Drive option, meet at the Golden Gumboot, corner of Hort and Butler Streets in Tully, by 12:55pm. For the Mission Beach Transfers option, pickups are from accommodations and central points across the Mission Beach area between 11:45am and 12:55pm. Similarly, for the Mission Beach Pick-up with return to Cairns, pickups are between 11:45am and 12:55pm.

Useful information

Minimum age

Participants must be at least 13 years old. Guests under 18 years must travel with a parent or guardian.

Swimming ability

Participants must be competent swimmers and able to understand English instructions.

What to bring

Bring lace-up shoes or sandals that won't fall off, a swimming costume, change of clothes, sweater for the bus ride, towel, sunscreen, and money for snacks, souvenirs, and photos. Avoid wearing jewellery and leave valuables in your hotel safe.

Rafting experience

No previous rafting experience is necessary. Each raft holds a maximum of seven passengers and one guide.

Health considerations

This tour is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant. Guests with medical conditions or concerns about their physical ability should consult a medical practitioner before booking.

Accessibility

This tour involves white water rafting on the Tully River with over 27 rapids, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Customer reviews

• Nathan Cook (4.5/5), 12-07-2026: Guide was hilarious, Rapids were amazing, Food was good but cold, getting changed outside by the road with 100 people was an experience I'd rather not of had.
• Julia P. (5.0/5), 08-01-2025: I had an amazing day thanks to the awesome team organising and leading the day! I highly recommend!
• Tony S. (5.0/5), 14-03-2024: Keanu was excellent making the day and experience memorable
• Julia F. (5.0/5), 04-06-2022: Rafting down the Tully river was an amazing experience with the family. Very experienced river guides, made it a fun and memorable experience. Highly recommend.
• Lauren H. (5.0/5), 26-04-2022: A great day out. Our tour guide Andy went above and beyond to make the experience fun and enjoyable for us. I went by myself and was put in with a group of other young women, and felt at home right away. The rafting was both very scenic and fun.