Barron River Rafting: Cairns, Port Douglas or Self-Drive
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Brace yourself for an action-packed, half-day, white-water rafting adventure on the Barron River! Navigate thrilling Grade 2 and 3 rapids for up to 2-hours, as you surge through the heart of Barron Gorge National Park. Feel the rush as you tackle the rapids, then soak in the stunning scenery while floating past rugged cliffs, dramatic ravines, and lush rainforest.
You have the option to include a pickup from Cairns or Port Douglas, or the option to drive yourself to the meeting point. This option must be selected at the time of booking.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 12 years
Children between 12 and 17 years require a parent or guardian to sign a waiver form
Not suitable for pregnant travelers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Get ready for a splash of adventure on this half-day white water rafting tour along the Barron River, just a short drive from Cairns or an hour from Port Douglas. Set in the dramatic Barron Gorge National Park, this experience offers the perfect balance of thrills and scenic beauty. Raft through grade 2–3 rapids, making it the ideal adventure for beginners or anyone looking for a fun, action-packed introduction to rafting. Paddle through lush rainforest scenery and over smooth granite boulders as your professional guide leads the way, keeping things safe, fun and exciting. Whether you're chasing a quick adrenaline fix or just want to try something new, this rafting adventure delivers a memorable taste of Tropical North Queensland’s wild side. This tour is suitable for ages 12 and up, and includes all equipment, instruction and training. Return transfers from Cairns or Port Douglas (If option is selected), or self-drive to a meeting point (If option is selected). Please note: Rafting Levy ($35pp from 01 April 2026) - AUD 30.00 per person payable on the day of travel.
What‘s Included
Pickup and drop-off available from Cairns or Port Douglas (If option is selected)
All rafting equipment and training is provided
Professional River Guide
Up to 2-hours of White-Water Rafting
Rafting Levy ($35pp from 01 April 2026)
Shoe hire (Available for $5 per pair)
Photo Package (Available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Departs Cairns & Beaches
Cairns & Beaches Pick Up: Pick up from Cairns and the Northern Beaches
Pickup included
Departs Port Douglas
Port Douglas Pick Up: Pick up from Port Douglas
Pickup included
Self Drive
Self Drive to Lake Placid Car Park
Pickup included
Reviews
1,602 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well worth it
Awesome1965,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great day out where safety is a priority. Can't speak highly enough of the guides and the experience. Hints : no toilets at the river entry point, so use the facilities at the meeting place, a short drive away. wear shorts for comfort.
Ideal for nerves people
gary s,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00First time doing whitewater rafting and it was very tame.but if you are a nurves person etc then this will be ideal for you. I was just expecting it to be more exciting plus didn't last long as spent more time paddling to the end on a long stretch of flat water
A Bust…
susan c,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00It was cancelled …probably due to the water flooding. Will probably get our money back. Wish it had been earlier so we could have planned something different
Awesome white water rafting adventure
cathywW5846ZN,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was so much fun! It was my first experience of white water rafting and I highly recommend booking with Foaming Fury. The team were well organised and safety was a top priority. It's a unique experience to enjoy the beautiful Barron Gorge from the alternating serene river and rushing rapids.
A great day
Heidi B,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tina is awesome! She’s the tiniest badass and we had so much fun with her! She has such a great positive vibe and made everything easy to understand and was an excellent guide. This was our first time whitewater rafting and we’re excited to try it again! Definitely great for beginners.
Fun thrilling adventure you can’t go wrong
Journey18948709389,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing adventure to go on with these guys! It was fun thrill rapids, the guides were a lot of dun and they had excellent skill in getting down safely. My 23yr old son said that his most favorite part of of the whole vacay!! Our guide Dorothy was so experienced and so much fun! Highly recommended.
All round super fun
jikaral,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was terrific and we picked a good day where the water wasn't too high so we had a good 90 mins on the water. Our guide Danny was super experienced and made us all feel capable as well as safe along with having fun! The admission fee was pretty good with the locals discount. The pre-safety talk with Jade was reassuring as well being reinforced by Danny at the start when being in the raft. All round super fun and would do it again.
My favorite and I did a bunch
MontanaCole,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Canadian chick was awesome. Rapids were epic. People fell off. Rafts got stuck. I hope you want an adventure!?
So fun!
sharon w,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome! Lily is a rockstar! We had so much fun! Getting started was kinda chaotic but once everyone was in the boats it was amazing and fun!
Unforgettable experience
Z7892UAdeanw,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic afternoon. Rowan our instructor was exceptional and made for an unforgettable experience! Can highly recommended this tour to anyone.
Related Experiences
Operated by Foaming Fury