Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Brace yourself for one of the most intense and exhilarating experiences in Tropical North Queensland— white-water rafting on the mighty Tully River. This full-day adventure plunges you into the heart of Tully Gorge National Park, where fast-flowing water, rugged terrain and rainforest collide to create the ultimate rafting challenge.
Led by expert guides, you’ll spend up to 3 hours charging through powerful Grade 3-4 rapids, tackling steep drops, and navigate swirling currents that will keep your adrenaline pumping from start to finish.
After conquering the river, wind down with a well-earned pub dinner, swap stories with your crew, and relive the day’s epic moments. If you're chasing serious thrills, this is the adventure that delivers.
All gear is provided, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns or Mission Beach, or self-drive (Selected at the time of booking), making it easy to jump straight into the action.
River Levy: $35AUD per person is payable on the day of travel
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Children aged 13-17 years require a parent or guardians counter signature on the waiver form
Minimum age: 13 years to participate in Rafting
IMPORTANT: Please note that all participants must have a competent swimming ability and be able to understand and follow River Guide instructions in English to take part in Tully River rafting. This is essential for your safety. English speaking and comprehension will be assessed by our River Guides at the time of pick-up. If there are any concerns regarding a guest’s ability to understand instructions or communicate effectively with the guides, participation may not be permitted.
Not suitable for suitable for pregnant travelers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tully River
Spend up to 3 hours on the mighty Tully River.
El Arish
Enjoy a hearty pub dinner at El Arish.
What‘s Included
Meal *Please advise dietary requirements at time of booking*
Experienced river guides
Hotel pickup and drop off from Cairns or Mission Beach (If option is selected)
All rafting equipment and training provided
Shoe hire or sunglass straps ($5pp if required)
Photo package (available for purchase)
Rafting Levy
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Tully Rafting - Cairns
Hearty Pub Dinner
Departs Cairns: Pick ups in Cairns start at 10am
Returns 10pm
Pickup included
Tully Rafting - Self Drive
Hearty Pub Dinner
Meet at Golden Gumboot: Meet at The Golden Gumboot - Tully at 12:45pm
Return 8:15pm
Tully Rafting - Mission Beach
Hearty Pub Dinner
Departing Mission Beach: Pick ups start in Mission Beach at 11:45am
Return 8:15pm
Pickup included
Reviews
680 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great rafting experience
Denise Z,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The best rafting trip I have ever booked. The rapids were very challenging giving us an adrenaline rush every few minutes. The scenery is beautiful, the water temperature was cool but not that cold that you cant swim. Our guide Jack gave us almost military training before we left which provided us with the skills to challenge the very strong 13km river currents. Great battered fish and chip meal at the pub. An another big plus capturing all the moments for us in the pictures they sold. Well done guys we really had a good time. Highly recommend it.
Exciting and safe rafting experience
Trail08957050156,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Glad to have Paul as our guide, he is not only professional, but also very encouraging and funny. We were pretty nervous the day before but everything went smoothly! Overall an exciting but safe raft ride! Would recommend everyone to try
Great day on the Tully
Maps00228880338,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip from start to finish. We had Sean as our guide on the boat and he was terrific. Besides being a great boatman, he also had lot of knowledge of the locality. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting North Queensland.
Worth the drive, fun trip!
395darrene,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great adventure! We River rafted all over the world and this was one of the most beautiful rivers we’ve traveled
Ride the wave!
Ellyn C,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was amazing. The views were gorgeous and the rapids were a fun ride. Rocky was a blast! 10/10 would recommend!
"Rock Stars"
Angela D,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be ready to "rock" and roll down the Tully. Literally! As we were told, getting wet is not optional on the river, mate.
One of the best trips ever. You won't regret it
gary s,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did barron river a couple of days ago and not impressed but this on the tully was in a class of its own absolutely brilliant, its better than the pictures they show and very exciting all the time rafting, ended up having nearly 3 hours rafting and did a long distance. The staff doing the trip were experienced as they had been doing it for many years and were very good at giving you the best time of your life. This is not for unfit people as you really have to work at it too get the best trip out of it. Can't remember names of crew but they definitely put 100% in to the experience
Worth doing despite long trip
Janet C,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thrill packed activity! The actual rafting was well organised & a fun filled, physical experience. & hence the 5 stars. BUT booking via Viator doesn’t make clear that despite a 10am pick up you won’t be in the water until about 2:30pm - long journey & that the ‘ taxes’ which are excluded from the cost shown are $30 per person. Meal in pub afterwards is also poor. However we loved the rafting. Book direct& visit their website site for full info.
Good fun
ShienAng L,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good fun. No place to shower after trip. Bring big towel to cover yourself so you can change outdoor after boat ride
Most underrated day trip from Cairns
Go08984807802,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve been lucky enough to whitewater raft in a few countries and this by far was the most wiping experience. They have a huge team of precessional who can accommodate any skill level of rafter. Our guy Paul was an absolute legend. He was super professional and incredible personal. Took time to get to know everyone and really go above and beyond to make it a great experience outside of the already gnarly rapids. Most underrated day trip from Cairns and well worth the extra time over Barron Falls.
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