Take on Tully River Rafting, a full-day white water adventure through World Heritage rainforest. Paddle Grade 3–4 rapids with expert guides, enjoy incredible gorge scenery, and finish with a hearty meal after an unforgettable day on the water.
from $240
About the Tour
Tully River Rafting is one of Tropical North Queensland’s great adventure experiences, taking guests through the spectacular Tully Gorge in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The tour tackles exciting Grade 3 and 4 rapids, with professional river guides, full training and all rafting equipment provided. The Tully River is widely promoted as Australia’s best rafting river and hosted the 2019 World Rafting Championships.
This full-day adventure operates with departures from Cairns, Mission Beach and Tully, with timings linked to Kareeya Hydro water releases. Current operator information notes the tour runs for around 12 hours from Cairns, includes return transfers where selected, all training and equipment, and one meal.
FAQs
Is Tully River Rafting suitable for beginners?
Yes. No previous rafting experience is required, but guests need a sense of adventure, competent swimming ability and the ability to follow safety instructions in English.
What grade are the Tully River rapids?
The Tully River rafting tour features Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids, making it a more adventurous full-day option than easier introductory rafting experiences.
What is the minimum age for Tully River Rafting?
The minimum age is 13 years, and guests under 18 must travel with a responsible adult or guardian.
How long does the tour take?
From Cairns, allow around 12 hours. Raging Thunder notes that exact timings are confirmed around water release schedules
Is Tully River Rafting available all year?
The tour generally operates with guaranteed water levels linked to Kareeya Hydro operations, but planned maintenance can affect availability. Current operator information notes no Tully River rafting from 4 August to 5 September 2026 due to scheduled hydro power station maintenance.
Why You Will Love It
• Paddle through the dramatic Tully Gorge, surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains.
• Experience exciting Grade 3–4 white water rapids with professional guides.
• Visit one of Australia’s most famous rafting rivers.
• Enjoy a full-day adventure that feels active, wild and memorable.
• No previous rafting experience is required.
• See a beautiful part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
• Finish the day with a well-earned meal and stories from the river.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
• Adventurous travellers visiting Cairns, Mission Beach or Tully.
• Guests who want a full-day rainforest and river experience.
• First-time rafters with good swimming ability.
• Groups of friends looking for a high-energy day out.
• Active couples wanting something more exciting than a standard sightseeing tour.
• Backpackers and solo travellers who enjoy shared adventure experiences.
• Visitors who want to experience one of Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic adventure tours.
Conclusion
Tully River Rafting is a powerful, scenic and genuinely memorable Tropical North Queensland adventure. With expert guides, Grade 3–4 rapids, World Heritage rainforest and a full-day itinerary, this tour is ideal for travellers who want to add excitement, nature and achievement to their Cairns or Mission Beach holiday.
Book Now
• Book Tully River Rafting today and experience one of Australia’s best white water adventures.
Highlights
• Full-day white water rafting adventure.
• Grade 3–4 rapids on the Tully River.
• Professional river guides and safety briefing.
• World Heritage rainforest scenery.
• Departures from Cairns, Mission Beach or Tully.
• All rafting equipment and training included.
• Meal included after rafting
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Full-Day Itinerary
Pick-up and Scenic Drive
Start with pick-up from Cairns or Mission Beach, or meet the group in Tully if self-driving. The drive travels south through Tropical North Queensland scenery towards Tully Gorge.
Meet at Tully and Prepare for the River
Self-drive guests meet at the Golden Gumboot in Tully before continuing towards the river. Guests are fitted with rafting gear before meeting their river guide.
Safety Briefing and Paddle Training
Your guide provides rafting instructions, safety information and paddling techniques before launching onto the river.
Raft the Tully River
Spend the afternoon rafting the Tully River, tackling Grade 3–4 rapids through a spectacular gorge surrounded by rainforest.
Change and Dinner
After rafting, change into dry clothes and continue to a country pub-style meal, with time to view photos and share stories from the river.
Return Transfers
Relax on the return transfer to Mission Beach or Cairns.
What’s Included
• Return transfers when selected.
• Professional river guides.
• Safety briefing and rafting training.
• Rafting equipment.
• Grade 3–4 white water rafting experience.
• One meal.
• River levy included in current published operator rates.
Optional Extras
• Digital action photos.
• Shoe hire if required.
• Additional refreshments.
What to Bring
• Swimwear worn under clothes.
• Towel.
• Change of dry clothes.
• Secure shoes with heel strap.
• Voucher or booking confirmation.
• Money/card for photos, refreshments or shoe hire.
• In cooler months, a long-sleeved rash top or thermal layer.
• In October to December, strong insect repellent is recommended due to March flies.
How to Get There
Guests can choose from Cairns transfers, Mission Beach transfers or self-drive to Tully. Self-drive guests currently meet at the Golden Gumboot in Tully, with times confirmed by the operator.
Important Information
• Minimum age is 13 years.
• Guests under 18 must travel with an adult or guardian.
• Competent swimming ability is required.
• Guests must be able to understand and follow guide instructions in English.
• Not suitable for pregnant guests.
• Not suitable for guests under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Guests with medical concerns should speak with the operator before booking.
• Itinerary times may change due to weather, water levels and hydro release schedules.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
The minimum age to participate is 13 years, those under 18 years must travel with a responsible guardian or adult.
The Operator reserves the right to change the itinerary or prices at any time without notice. The Operator advises all passengers travelling that road, river, weather & other conditions beyond their control may alter the itinerary, departure times or dates.
We, Hot Getaways, are not liable for changes to tours, cancellations from the supplier, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay or personal injury.
IMPORTANT: 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.
• Bus transfers may vary by 10 minutes either way due to traffic conditions. Please wait at your accommodation 10 minutes prior to pick up time
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