White water rafting Cairns
The Barron River – is 20 minutes from Cairns but a world away. This Cairns rafting tour has action and adventure, combining calm water floating with a series of rapids. Half-Day Cairns Rafting Tours. It's fun, exciting, and suitable for all the family (aged 12 and over). Paddle through the World Heritage-listed Rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park and take on the thrilling Grade Three rapids of the Barron River as it winds its way towards the Coral Sea. This tour includes up to 2 hours of White Water Rafting, a professional guide and all safety equipment.
Cruise ship passengers - Meet at Bus Stop 7 at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, at 2.00 pm, a short walk from the Cruise Terminal
FROM $175
This fun and adrenaline experience from Cairns will have you rafting down the Barron River for 2 hours on Grade 3 rapids. No experience is necessary, all equipment and life vests are supplied. Your highly trained River Guide is expertly trained and will share some of the area's scenic highlights and historical points of interest. In between rapids, you will have the chance to admire and take in the dense rainforest and outstanding scenery of the Barron Gorge.
Related Tours
Reef-Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight
30 minutes $415 per person 3yrs+
45 minutes $515 per person 3yrs+
Departs daily from Cairns Heli pad -The Pier Cairns
The most popular scenic flight combines 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic with an additional 15 minute bird's eye view of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Commencing over the reef, we cross back over the coast near Double Island and the resort township of Palm Cove before ascending the coastal rainforest-clad mountains into the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park.
The Paronella Park Experience
Adult $249|Child 4-12 yrs $199.
Not recommended for children under 4 years old.
Departs Mon, Thurs & Sat
11.00am - 9.00pm
The Paronella Experience is one of North Queensland Must-See attractions. Swim and explore the rainforest at Babinda Boulders, enjoy homemade afternoon tea at Etty Bay Beach to spot Cassowaries.
Upon arriving at Paronella Park, you'll explore the enchanting ruins of a Spanish-inspired castle, surrounded by vibrant gardens and cascading waterfalls. Discover the fascinating history of its visionary creator, José Paronella, and the park's intriguing past. Immerse yourself in the magical ambiance as you wander through the grounds, making this day and night tour an unforgettable experience for nature and history enthusiasts alike.
Waterfalls and Rainforest Tour
Adult $149|Child 2-11yrs $129|Family 2A+2C $427
Departs daily 7.30am - 5.30pm
Effective 1st August Adult $179 |Child $139 | Family $497 new tour component
On the Waterfalls and Wanderer tour you will travel south as you discover nature and the beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a MUST-SEE for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. This fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands and waterfalls.
Fly-Cruise Great Barrier Reef Half Day Tour
$530 per person
Not available 22nd Aug - 16 September 2025
Depart daily 12.40pm - return 4.30pm
Ideal for cruise ship passengers or those with limited time who still want to experience the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef to meet the Superyacht Evolution. Spend 1.5 hours at Hastings Reef snorkelling before cruising back to Cairns whilst enjoying a late lunch and a complimentary glass of wine.
Cairns River Cruise & City Sights Tour
Adult $229|Child $179 4-14yrs
Includes lunch at Dundees on the Waterfront
Departs Mon - Sat 10.45 am to 6pm
Join us on a calm water cruise along Cairns' Trinity Inlet. Glide through pristine creeks as you discover the hidden charm of Cairns' backwaters and unique sights along the way. Enjoy lunch at the award-winning Dundee's on the Waterfront. Your afternoon continues with the Cairns City Sights Tour, exploring the highlights of this vibrant city.
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!