In short
- Children must be at least 13 for Grade 3 and 4 rapids.
- Kids aged 6 and up can do Grade 2 sports rafting.
- All children and teens must be competent swimmers.
In this article
Planning a family trip to the Tully River means checking age limits first. Operators enforce strict minimum ages based on the water grade. You have two main options depending on how old your kids are.
What is the minimum age for standard Tully River rafting?
The strict minimum age for the main Grade 3 and 4 rafting tours is 13 years old.
Operators require all participants on the commercial sections to be at least 13. This part of the gorge features up to 45 turbulent rapids. Teenagers under 18 must have a guardian present. Guides check comprehension of safety instructions before you leave the launch point.
Can kids under 13 go rafting on the Tully River?
Yes, children as young as 6 can join specific Grade 2 sports rafting tours.
These half-day tours operate on the lower, calmer sections of the Tully River. You navigate in a self-steered 2-person sports raft instead of a large commercial raft. This provides a milder experience suitable for younger families.
Do kids need to know how to swim?
Yes, strict safety rules require all participants to have competent swimming ability.
Both children and adults must be confident in turbulent water. You will wear a provided life jacket, but swimming skills are mandatory. Anyone unable to swim cannot join the tour.
Do kids need previous rafting experience?
No, previous rafting experience is not required for the Tully River.
Professional river guides provide all necessary training and equipment. However, kids must understand and follow river guide instructions in English. Guides assess this comprehension before the tour departs.
What should kids wear on the river?
Kids must wear secure enclosed footwear or adventure sandals with heel straps.
Bare feet and flip-flops are strictly banned on the rafts. Pack swimwear to wear under the provided life jacket or wetsuit. Bring a peaked cap for sun protection to wear under the safety helmet.
Questions travellers ask
What grade are the rapids on the Tully River?
Commercial rafting sections are classified as Grade 3 and 4. The lower sections used for sports rafting are milder Grade 2 rapids.
How long does Tully River rafting take?
Guided trips spend up to 3 hours on the water navigating the rapids. Half-day sports rafting tours are also available.
How hard is Tully River white water rafting?
The Grade 3 and 4 sections provide a turbulent ride. You must keep your feet wedged in the floor straps and paddle hard when instructed.