Barron River Half Day White Water Rafting
Departs Cairns Daily 2.00pm -5.30pm
$145 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers
$128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
+ $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
Just a short drive north of Cairns, the Barron River offers the perfect introduction to white water rafting. This action-packed afternoon adventure includes up to 2 hours on the water, navigating through spectacular rainforest scenery, rugged granite boulders, and exhilarating rapids.
It’s fun, exciting, and ideal for first-timers or families with children aged 12 and over. No prior experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure!
Paddle through the World Heritage-listed Rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park and float past giant granite boulders as you take on the thrilling Grade Three rapids of the Barron River as it winds its way towards the Coral Sea.
Perfect for beginners: The Barron River is ideal for first-time rafters or anyone seeking a fun adventure on the water. There is the opportunity to leave the raft and do some river floating on the calmer sections.
Exciting Rapids: Experience the thrill of grade 2-3 rapids that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Beautiful Scenery: Enjoy peaceful moments of calm water floating amidst spectacular natural scenery and the amazing backdrop of the Barron Gorge National Park.
Fun and Safe: Our experienced guides ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone with full instruction and safety equipment included
Rafting is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant
Itinerary
- 2.00pmPick-ups commence around Cairns and Northern Beaches. Drive to Lake Placid and rendezvous with other (self-drive) rafters.Travel further into the Barron River Gorge to our start point and get fitted with rafting gear.
- 2.45pmMeet your River Guide who will give you a safety briefing and paddling instructions before it’s time to hit the water!
- 3.00pm – 5.00pmRaft down the Barron River conquering awesome grade 2 & 3 rapids!
- 5.00pm – 5.30pmArrive at the take-out point and change into dry clothes. Time to view your action photos.
- 5.30pm -6.00pmKick back and relax as we transfer you back to Cairns
Inclusions + Important Information
- 2 hours of rafting Grade 3 rapids
- Visit Barron Gorge National Park
- Rafts carry up to 7 passengers plus River Guide
- No experience necessary
- Change rooms available after rafting
- Accommodation transfers from Cairns
Every participant must sign a Liability Release Form prior to commencing rafting and some packages. Passengers under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf.
Medical conditions –please note that some medical conditions, disabilities and impairments may exclude participants from rafting for safety reasons, e.g. pregnancy and serious vision impairments. Passengers should disclose any medical condition, disabilities and impairments at time of booking.
What to bring
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Cap to wear under your helmet(optional)
- Change of clothing
- Cash or card for optional purchases or photos.
- Secure footwear such as sandshoes or adventure sandals(bare feet or thongs not permitted)Hire shoes available for $5 of you don’t want your shoes getting wet.
- Please leave jewellery & valuables at your accommodation.
Additional Extras
- Rafting Levy $30 – payable on board.
- Sandshoe hire – if required $5
- Glasses strap hire $5
- Photos $59 (you will be emailed a link to download – approx 60 photos)
Explore related tours
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Departs Cairns Daily 2.00pm -5.30pm
$145 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers
$128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid
+ $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
Just a short drive north of Cairns, the Barron River offers the perfect introduction to white water rafting. This action-packed afternoon adventure includes up to 2 hours on the water, navigating through spectacular rainforest scenery, rugged granite boulders, and exhilarating rapids.
It’s fun, exciting, and ideal for first-timers or families with children aged 12 and over. No prior experience needed — just bring your sense of adventure!
$145.00 per person 12yrs + with hotel transfers | $128.00 per person -Self drive to Lake Placid | $30.00 per person pay on board rafting levy
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Gold class option 9.30 train only $60 per person
Train departs Cairns 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Tour not bookable online – please contact us P 07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns Central or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am trains (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets Wednesday through to Sunday and the many attractions of Kuranda, then return on the Skyrail as you guide over the rainforest canopy. Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns Railway Station.
Adult $145.00 | Child $80.00 | Family $390.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person
Adult $79| Child 2-11yrs $55
Family 2A+2C $213
Departs from Cairns Marina 5.15pm –
Discover the enchanting beauty of a Cairns tropical sunset.
Join us for a relaxing 90-minute cruise through the calm waters of Trinity Inlet, one of Cairns’ hidden gems. As the day ends, watch the sky transform into a canvas of golden hues and deep purples, with the city skyline and lush mountains as your backdrop.
Sit back and unwind with a complimentary drink in hand.
Capture unforgettable views of Cairns, the mangroves, and distant ranges bathed in sunset light.
Enjoy a serene, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking up the magic of Tropical North Queensland, this is an experience you’ll always remember.
Adult from $239 Child (7-14yrs) $215 not suitable for under 7yrs
Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am – 4.30pm
Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.
This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..
Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C
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Family 2A+2C $187
Departs 10.45am, 1.00pm & 3.15pm
Embark on a 75 minute journey of tranquility with Cairns River Cruise sightseeing tour as you navigate the serene waters of Trinity Inlet. Modern spacious boat meticulously designed for comfort, ensuring uninterrupted views of the breathtaking surroundings.
Experience the beauty of Cairns waterfront bordered by majestic mountains and lush mangroves, serving as a haven for a diverse array of wildlife.
Adult $69.00 | Child 2-11yrs $49.00 | Family 2A+2C $187.00
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Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.
Here’s why thousands of customers loveCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Discovery Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. We make exploring Cairns stress-free, so you can book with confidence.
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🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.
👩🏫 Expert Local Guides
Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.
