Plan your visit
Plan Your Rafting Day
Prepare for up to 3 hours of intense paddling. Learn what to pack, how to get there, and what to expect on the river.
Tully River white water rafting
Tully Gorge Road, Tully Gorge National Park, QLD 4854
GPS -17.766, 145.65
Open directionsGetting there
Most rafters book round-trip coach transfers. You can also self-drive.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Book a full-day guided tour that includes round-trip air-conditioned coach transfers. | 2.5 hours from Cairns or 45 minutes from Mission Beach. | Included in standard tour prices ($240-$265 AUD) | Pickup times from Cairns and Mission Beach vary by operator, and some start as early as 6:30 am. |
| Car: Self-drive via the Bruce Highway to the town of Tully, then follow Tully Gorge Road to the meeting point. | Approximately 2 hours from Cairns and 45 minutes from Mission Beach. | Fuel costs only | You can meet the tour group at the Golden Gumboot in Tully or drive directly to the Tully Gorge car park as directed by your operator. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
You can raft the Tully River all year. The Kareeya Hydro power station releases water daily. The wet season (December to April) provides warmer water and slightly more powerful flows.
What to bring
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Secure enclosed shoes or adventure sandals are mandatory.
Flip-flops and bare feet are strictly banned on the rafts.
How the day runs
Review typical tour timelines below.
A complete 12-hour round trip including coaching, rafting, and dinner.
- Pickup
Coach collects you from Cairns accommodations.
- Arrival and Briefing
Arrive at the gorge. Gear up and listen to safety instructions.
- Rafting Begins
Spend up to 3 hours navigating Grade 3 and 4 rapids.
- Off the Water
Dry off and change into warm clothes.
- Pub Dinner
Enjoy a hearty meal at El Arish Tavern or Feluga Hotel.
- Return
Arrive back in Cairns.
Drive directly to the meeting point to save time and transport costs.
- Meet at Golden Gumboot
Rendezvous with guides in Tully town.
- Safety Briefing
Get fitted for helmets and life jackets at the gorge.
- Hit the Rapids
Paddle hard through the rainforest gorge.
- Finish Rafting
Return to your vehicle and head to the pub.
Strict Safety Rules
You must have a competent swimming ability to participate. Guides conduct a safety briefing in English before departure. You must be able to understand and follow their instructions. You cannot participate if you are pregnant or have unmanaged medical conditions.
Pack swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for the ride home. Wear a peaked cap under your safety helmet for sun protection. Bring money for the pub dinner and professional action photos. See Packing & Clothes for a full packing list.
Easiest way to do it
Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive
12 h 4.9 (699)
- 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
From$115per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you self-drive to Tully River rafting?
Yes. You can drive via the Bruce Highway to Tully. The drive takes about 2 hours from Cairns and 45 minutes from Mission Beach. Operators usually meet self-drivers at the Golden Gumboot or the gorge car park.
What should I wear for white water rafting in Cairns?
Wear swimwear under the provided life jacket or wetsuit. Secure enclosed shoes or adventure sandals with heel straps are mandatory. Flip-flops are banned. Bring a change of dry clothes.
Can I wear glasses or contacts while rafting?
You can wear them, but they may wash away. Secure glasses with a sports strap. If you wear contacts, be prepared to close your eyes when splashing through heavy rapids.