Barron River Rafting
Ride the Rapids and Soak Up the Stunning Barron Gorge!
- Free cancellations*
Not Available
This ticket is currently not available
This could be because:
- We have sold out
- New seasonal tickets are not yet available
In the meantime:
- Call us on 1800 927 467
- Sign up to hear the latest news and offers:
Full details
An epic rafting adventure!
Level up your afternoon with white water rafting on the Barron River, just outside Cairns. Soak up epic rainforest views, ride fun rapids and make some memories in under half a day. It's Perfect for first-timers and thrill seekers!
Our guide to Barron River Rafting
Just 20 minutes north of Cairns, the Barron River is the ideal spot to experience white water rafting. With a mix of grade 2 and 3 rapids, it’s perfect for first-time rafters or anyone looking for a few hours of thrills on the water.
Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from multiple central Cairns locations, followed by a short drive to the stunning Barron Gorge. Here, you’ll meet your expert River Guide and fellow rafters, get fitted with your helmet and life jacket and receive a detailed safety briefing.
Once everyone is settled in their rafts, your guide will provide paddling instructions and a quick practice session before you set off. Start by navigating gentle rapids to get comfortable on the water, then take on the more exciting grade 3 sections, including the famous Rooster Tail rapid.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland and get your heart racing, all within a few hours.
Departs
Daily, year-round except 25th December and 1st January.
Start times
Includes pick-up from central hotel locations in Cairns and the Northern Beaches. Hotel pick-ups begin from 2:00 pm. Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed when you reconfirm your tour locally.
Duration
Around 4 hours with up to 2 hours on the water.
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions for Barron River Rafting
- You will receive a voucher for this experience. Please read it thoroughly.
- You MUST reconfirm your booking locally at least 24 hours in advance.
- A Rafting Levy of AUD30.00 per person is payable locally on the day. The rafting levy is a compulsory charge covering Land Management fees, government charges and taxes, dam water release and part recovery of public risk insurance (amount subject to change without notice). Payable directly to Raging Thunder.
- This trip is suitable for all levels of fitness. All passengers must be able to fit into the supplied life jackets.
- Important: Minimum age is 13 years. All participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian co-sign the liability waiver.
- Bring lace-up shoes (that WILL get wet), a swimsuit and towel (you will need to be wearing your swimsuit at the time of pick-up), a spare change of clothes, and don't forget the sunscreen. You will be provided with safety equipment, including a life jacket, helmet and spray jacket.
- All tours depart at the discretion of your guide based on weather conditions and safety reasons.
- A medical questionnaire and liability waiver are required to be completed and signed.
- PLEASE NOTE: you MUST HAVE a competent swimming ability and be able to understand and follow River Guide instructions in English, to participate in Barron River Rafting. This is for your safety. English speaking and comprehension will be assessed by River Guides at the time of pick-up; if there are concerns about your ability to understand instructions and communicate with our River Guides, you will not be able to participate in the tour and no refund is available or will be provided.
- Rafting is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant.
- For your safety you will not be permitted to raft if we detect you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in these instances no refund will apply. If you have any medical conditions you are worried about, please talk to our friendly team.
- We highly recommend having your own travel insurance.
- If you have a medical condition or you are unsure that you are physically able to participate in the activity, we recommend that you consult with a medical practitioner.
- Hire shoes are available for hire at $5/pair if you do not wish to get your own shoes wet.
- Action digital photos of the day will be available to buy, at the end of the tour.
- Prior to your rafting trip you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and sign a liability waiver (either online or on paper).
*CANCELLATION POLICY:
Free cancellations and amendments are allowed for bookings cancelled with the tour operator up to 24 hours before your chosen activity date. Please keep in mind that there is a significant time difference between Australia and the UK, so be sure to allow for this when making your cancellation. After the 24-hour window, no amendments or refunds will be provided.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Barron River Rafting
Can I change the date of my tour?
Dates may be changed locally at the discretion of the tour operator. It MUST be resquested up to 24 HOURS before the tour departs.
What if I miss my coach pick-up?
If you are not waiting at the pick-up point at the date and time specified in your booking, then you will forfeit 100% of the total price paid. At the discretion of tour operator, if you miss your coach departure you may be able to reschedule for another day subject to the payment of a rescheduling fee (this covers administration charges and the provision of meals where applicable).
What should I bring?
Please bring lace-up shoes (that WILL get wet), swim suit and towel (you will need to be wearing your swim suit at the time of pick-up), a spare change of clothes, and don't forget the sunscreen. You will be provided with safety equipment, including life jacket, helmet and spray jacket. Bring money for photos and levy BUT please do leave jewellery and valuables at home.
What is the Rafting Levy fee?
The rafting levy is a compulsory charge covering Land Management fees, government charges and taxes, dam water release and part recovery of public risk insurance. The amount is payable locally on the day of your tour, and is subject to change without notice.