In short
- Wear secure enclosed shoes or adventure sandals with heel straps.
- Pack a peaked cap to wear under your provided safety helmet.
- Bring dry clothes and a towel for the bus ride and pub dinner.
In this article
Your gear dictates your comfort and safety on the Tully River. Operators enforce strict rules on footwear before you board the raft. You will get wet, so quick-drying materials are best. Pack smart so you have dry, warm clothes ready when the rafting ends.
What shoes do I need for white water rafting?
You must wear secure enclosed footwear or adventure sandals with a heel strap.
Bare feet and flip-flops are strictly banned on the river. If you wear thongs, guides will not let you on the raft. You need shoes that will not fall off in turbulent water. Old running shoes work perfectly for this.
What should I wear on the raft?
Wear a swimsuit to go under your provided life jacket or wetsuit.
You will wear a bulky safety jacket the entire time. Board shorts, a one-piece swimsuit, or a bikini are fine underneath. Some people wear a rash guard for extra sun protection. Avoid heavy cotton shirts, as they stay cold and wet.
Do I need a hat and sunscreen?
Yes, bring waterproof sunscreen and a peaked cap.
The Queensland sun is strong, even inside the rainforest gorge. A peaked cap fits easily under the mandatory safety helmet. This keeps the sun out of your eyes while you navigate the Grade 3 and 4 rapids.
What should I pack for after the rafting?
Bring a towel and a complete change of dry, warm clothes.
You will be wet and tired after up to 3 hours on the river. The air-conditioned bus ride back can feel very cold. Pack dry underwear, a warm top, and dry shoes. You will also want casual clothes for the pub dinner.
How do I keep my phone and wallet dry?
Bring a dry bag or leave your valuables on the locked bus.
Most rafters leave their personal items safely on the coach during the trip. If you self-drive, secure your items in your vehicle. Bring a credit card or some cash for the pub dinner. You can also buy digital action photos at the pub.
What else should I bring for a full-day tour?
Pack a water bottle and some snacks for the journey.
The bus trip takes about 2.5 hours from Cairns. A water bottle helps you stay hydrated on the road. A quick snack is helpful before gearing up at the Kareeya Hydro power station.
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear flip-flops to raft the Tully River?
No. Strict safety rules ban flip-flops and bare feet. You must wear enclosed shoes or adventure sandals with a secure heel strap.
Can I wear glasses or contacts while rafting?
Yes, but glasses can easily fall into the river. Secure them with a tight sports strap. Contacts are generally fine, but close your eyes when splashing through heavy rapids.
Do I need to bring my own life jacket?
No. Tour operators provide all necessary rafting equipment, including heavy-duty life jackets and safety helmets. You just need to bring the right clothing to wear underneath.