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Home » Australia » Cairns » Barron River Rafting

Barron River Rafting

Raft your way through the breathtaking World Heritage-listed rainforest of the stunning Barron Gorge. With exhilarating grade 2 and 3 rapids, this adventure is perfect for first-timers and anyone seeking a few hours of fun on the water. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and natural beauty!

Located just 20 minutes north of Cairns, the Barron River is the perfect destination for your first white water rafting experience! This exhilarating tour combines grade 2 and 3 rapids, making it ideal for beginners and those looking for a couple of hours of fun on the water.

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from one of several central locations in Cairns, followed by a short drive to our stunning launch point in the Barron Gorge National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your experienced river guide and fellow paddlers and get fitted with your helmet and life jacket.

Before hitting the rapids, you'll receive a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure everyone is prepared for the journey ahead. Once in the raft, the excitement ramps up with further instructions on paddling techniques.

Start your adventure with some easy, fun rapids to get comfortable on the water before taking on the thrilling grade 3 rapids, including the notorious Rooster Tail! Get ready for an unforgettable rafting experience that will leave you craving more!

No experience is necessary, all equipment and instructions are included, just bring your smile and get ready for a good time!

Sample Itinerary (Subject to change without notice):

  • 14.00 – 14.30 - Pick-ups around Cairns and Northern Beaches. Drive to Lake Placid and rendezvous with other (self-drive) rafters.
  • 14.30 – 14.45 - Travel further into the Barron River Gorge to our start point and get fitted with rafting gear.
  • 14.45 – 15.00 - Meet your River Guide who will give you a safety briefing and paddling instructions before it’s time to hit the water!
  • 15.00 – 17.00 - Raft down the Barron River conquering awesome grade 2 & 3 rapids!
  • 17.00 – 17.30 - Arrive at the take-out point and change into dry clothes. Time to view your action photos.
  • 17.30 – 18.00 - Kick back and relax as we transfer you back to your accommodation.

Departs

Daily, year-round except 25th December and 1st January.

Start times

This tour picks up from centrally located Cairns accommodation. Hotel pick-ups start from 2.00 am. Your exact pick-up time will be advised upon reconfirmation of your tour locally.

Duration

Around 4 hours with up to 2 hours on the water.

Experience Includes

  • Intro to White Water Rafting Techniques
  • Raft through the stunning Barron Gorge National Park (World Heritage-listed rainforest)
  • Return transfers from Cairns
  • 2 Hours of White Water Rafting (Grade 2-3 rapids)
  • All tuition and safety equipment provided
  • Professional, certified river guides
  • Flexible Booking: Cancel with a full refund or amend for free!*

Experience Excludes

  • Refreshments
  • Optional gratuities
  • Shoe Hire ( around $5.00)
  • Snacks & Souvenir Photos
  • AUD$30.00 per person rafting fee, payable locally on the day.

Terms & Conditions

  • You will receive a voucher for this experience. Please read it thoroughly.
  • You MUST re-confirm your booking locally at least 24 hours in advance.
  • A Rafting Levy of AUD30.00 per person is payable locally on the day. The rafting levy is a compulsory charge covering Land Management fees, government charges and taxes, dam water release and part recovery of public risk insurance (amount subject to change without notice). Payable directly to Raging Thunder.
  • This trip is suitable for all levels of fitness. All passengers must be able to fit into the supplied life jackets.
  • This tour is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian counter-sign their liability waiver form.
  • Bring lace-up shoes (that WILL get wet), a swimsuit and towel (you will need to be wearing your swimsuit at the time of pick-up), a spare change of clothes, and don't forget the sunscreen. You will be provided with safety equipment, including a life jacket, helmet and spray jacket.
  • All tours depart at the discretion of your guide based on weather conditions and safety reasons.
  • A medical questionnaire and liability waiver are required to be completed and signed.
  • PLEASE NOTE: you MUST HAVE a competent swimming ability and be able to understand and follow River Guide instructions in English, to participate in Barron 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 is pregnant.
  • 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.
  • We highly recommend having your own travel insurance.
  • If you have a medical condition or you are unsure that you are physically able to participate in the activity, we recommend that you consult with a medical practitioner.
  • Hire shoes are available for hire at $5/pair if you do not wish to get your own shoes wet.
  • Action digital photos of the day will be available to buy, at the end of the tour.
  • Prior to your rafting trip you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and sign a liability waiver (either online or on paper). For your safety, you will not be permitted to raft if detected under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and in these instances, no refund will apply.
  • *CANCELLATION POLICY: Free cancellations and amendments are allowed for bookings cancelled with the tour operator up to 24 hours before your chosen activity date. Please keep in mind that there is a significant time difference between Australia and the UK, so be sure to allow for this when making your cancellation. After the 24-hour window, no amendments or refunds will be provided.