Full-Day Tully River Rafting

Tully River Rafting From Cairns

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.

Meeting point: Pickup or Golden Gumboot
Run by: Raging Thunder

Overview

Up to three hours on Grade 3 and 4 white water is the heart of this trip. The Tully River runs through a rainforest gorge inside a World Heritage-listed region, and the river has hosted the World Rafting Championships. You paddle it in a raft with a trained guide who gives full instruction before you launch, so no previous rafting experience is required.

The day is run by Cairns Adventure Group. You either get picked up from Cairns or Mission Beach if that option is selected, or drive yourself to the meeting point at the Golden Gumboot, the big boot with a frog, ready to depart with the group at 12:55 PM. After gearing up and a safety briefing on land, the group spends the day working down the rapids with the guide in the raft the whole time. Dinner at a country pub closes out the trip, and rafting photos taken on the water can be bought afterwards.

FormatFull day

Meeting pointPickup or Golden Gumboot

Run byRaging Thunder

It suits confident swimmers who can follow instructions in English, which the guides assess at pickup. Reviewers repeatedly describe the guides as experienced and safety-focused, and the scenery earns praise too. Anyone after a long, physical day on serious white water, with a meal waiting at the end, is the right fit.

Deflated raft with paddle on gravel riverbank beside brown water and rainforest gorge

What's Included

Included

Accommodation pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Up to 3 hours white water rafting on grade 3-4 rapids
Rafting guide
Rafting training and instruction
Rafting equipment
Hearty country style dinner

Not Included

Rafting Levy $35 per person payable on the day
Shoe rental (available for $5 per pair)
Sunglass straps (available for $5 per pair)
Souvenir photos (available for $59)

Itinerary

Meet or get picked upJoin the trip from Cairns or Mission Beach if that option is selected, or self-drive to the meeting point. The listing notes a toilet stop in Tully where lunch can be bought at your own expense.
Gear up and trainAt the launch point you meet your guides, receive safety equipment, and take part in safety training before getting on the water.
Raft the Tully RiverSpend up to three hours running Grade 3 and 4 rapids through a rainforest gorge in a World Heritage-listed region. Your guide stays in the raft and coaches you through each rapid.
Pub dinnerAfter the rafting, sit down to a hearty country style dinner, included in the trip.
Photos and purchaseView the photos taken on the river during dinner. Souvenir photos are available for purchase if you want them.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how the day goes, from what sits in your daypack to how fit you need to be.

Wet shoes and towel on a bench near the rainforest gorge

Swimming ability. The listing is clear that all participants must be competent swimmers and able to understand and follow guide instructions in English. Guides assess this at pickup, and participation can be refused if there are concerns. This is a safety requirement, not a formality.
Footwear and gear. Bring swimwear worn on the river, a towel, a change of clothes, and shoes with a secure heel strap such as sneakers or aqua shoes. Water shoes, shoe rental, and sunglass straps are not included but can be rented cheaply on the day. Cellphones, jewelry, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.
Fitness and pace. No rafting experience is needed since training is part of the day. That said, up to three hours of paddling Grade 3 and 4 rapids is physical work. Go in expecting a full day out, with total durations ranging from six and a half to eleven hours depending on your option.
The guides. Several travellers said they felt safe the entire time, and one pair of returning customers came back specifically to raft another river with the same operator.

Wet shoes and towel on bench under rainforest canopy in warm afternoon light

River levy$35 per person, paid on the day

Shoe rental$5 on the day

Food and photos. A hearty dinner at a country pub is included, which reviewers generally enjoyed, especially after hours on the water. Lunch is not part of the package, so bring snacks and a water bottle for the bus, or buy something at the Tully stop. Photos taken on the river are shown at dinner and can be purchased.
Extra cash. Bring cash. A per-person river levy is payable on the day, and one reviewer wished it were folded into the upfront price and explained. Shoe rental, sunglass straps, and photos also cost extra on the day.

Check DatesCheck Price & Availability →

Common issues. The per-person river levy is charged on the day rather than at booking, and at least one reviewer found this frustrating and wanted the purpose explained. Lunch is not included, only the dinner, so budget for food at the Tully stop. The swimming and English comprehension requirements are strictly applied, and anyone the guides judge unable to follow instructions safely can be excluded from the trip. Self-drive travellers need to be at the Golden Gumboot meeting point on time for the 12:55 PM departure.

Common Questions

Do I Need Rafting Experience?

No. The listing states no experience is needed, and guides provide training and instruction before and during the trip. What is required is competent swimming ability and the ability to understand and follow guide instructions in English, which is assessed at pickup. Participants who cannot meet this standard may not be allowed on the river.

Is Pickup Included?

Accommodation pickup and drop-off is included if you select that option when booking, from Cairns or Mission Beach. A self-drive option is also available. Self-drive travellers meet at the Golden Gumboot, the big boot with a frog, for the 12:55 PM departure.

What Extra Costs Are There On The Day?

A river levy of $35 per person is payable on the day of travel. Shoe rental and sunglass straps are available for $5 per pair each, and souvenir photos can be purchased for $59. Lunch at the Tully stop is at your own expense.

Is Food Included?

A hearty country style dinner after the rafting is included, which reviewers generally enjoyed. Lunch and snacks are not included, so bring a water bottle and snacks for the bus, or buy lunch during the toilet stop in Tully.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

The listing allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for the full terms before you reserve.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Wear your swimwear on the day and bring a towel, a change of clothes, and suitable shoes with a secure heel strap such as sneakers or aqua shoes. Bring cash for the levy and any extras. Leave jewelry and cellphones behind, as they are not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.