4.8 (1.6 k) · Cairns & the Tropical North · By Foaming Fury ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Get ready for an exciting half-day white-water rafting adventure on the Barron River! You'll navigate thrilling Grade 2 and 3 rapids for up to 2 hours, passing through the heart of Barron Gorge National Park.
Experience the exhilaration of tackling the rapids, then relax and admire the stunning scenery as you float past rugged cliffs, dramatic ravines, and lush rainforest.
You have the option to include a pickup from Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas, or to drive yourself to the meeting point. This choice must be made when booking.
✓ Pickup and drop-off available from Cairns or Port Douglas (if option is selected)✓ All rafting equipment and training provided✓ Professional River Guide✓ Up to 2 hours of White-Water Rafting✕ Shoe hire (available for $5 per pair if needed)✕ Photo Package (available for purchase)✕ Rafting LevyActivity Schedule
4 h 30
Prepare for a splash of adventure on this half-day white-water rafting tour along the Barron River, a short drive from Cairns or an hour from Port Douglas. Located in the beautiful Barron Gorge National Park, this experience offers a perfect mix of thrills and scenic beauty.
Raft through grade 2–3 rapids, making it an ideal adventure for beginners or anyone seeking a fun, action-packed introduction to rafting. Paddle through lush rainforest scenery and over smooth granite boulders, guided by a professional who will ensure safety, fun, and excitement.
Whether you're looking for a quick adrenaline rush or simply want to try something new, this rafting adventure provides a memorable taste of Tropical North Queensland’s wild side.
This tour is suitable for ages 12 and up and includes all necessary equipment, instruction, and training. Return transfers are available from Cairns or Port Douglas (if the option is selected), or you can self-drive to the meeting point (if the option is selected).
Please note: A Rafting Levy of AUD 35.00 per person is payable on the day of travel.
Barron Gorge National Park
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Self-drive (if option is selected) to 101 Lake Placid Road at 3:00 PM. Please wait in your car in the car park; do not enter Lake Placid Caravan Park as it is private property.
Self-drive (if option is selected) to 101 Lake Placid Road at 3:00 PM. Please wait in your car in the car park; do not enter Lake Placid Caravan Park as it is private property.
We offer pickups from select hotels and accommodations in Cairns, Northern Beaches, and Port Douglas (if the option is selected). A self-drive option is also available (if the option is selected).
You must call 07 4042 7300 between 24-48 hours prior to travel to confirm your pickup time and location.
You will need to bring:
- Shoes with a secure heel strap (shoe hire is available for $5 per pair) - no thongs or slides.
- Swimwear
- A towel
- A change of clothes
- Waterproof sunscreen/insect repellent
A River Levy of AUD 35.00 per person is payable on board.
Hotel pickups from Cairns or Port Douglas (if the option has been selected) begin before the start time. You are required to contact the local service provider 24-48 hours prior to your tour to verify your exact pickup time.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Minimum age: 12 years to participate in rafting. Children between 12 and 17 years require a parent or guardian to sign a waiver form. Not suitable for pregnant travelers. Afternoon Departs Port Douglas Port Douglas Pick Up: Pick up from Port Douglas Pickup included Afternoon Departs Cairns Cairns & Beaches Pick Up: Pick up from Cairns and the Northern Beaches Pickup included Afternoon Self Drive Self Drive: Self Drive to Lake Placid Car Park Pickup included Book the pickup option that best suits your location (Cairns or Port Douglas). Ensure you have shoes with a secure heel strap; thongs and slides are not permitted. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Remember to bring waterproof sunscreen and insect repellent. Be prepared to pay the AUD 35.00 River Levy on the day. Call 24-48 hours in advance to confirm your pickup details. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 28754P1
Activity offered by Foaming Fury via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurers Families with teenagers Beginner rafters Nature lovers Thrilling white-water rafting on the Barron River Navigate Grade 2 and 3 rapids Stunning scenery in Barron Gorge National Park Suitable for beginners and families (ages 12+) Option for pickup or self-drive Professional guides ensure a safe and fun experience
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 25° Jan 25° Feb 24° Mar 22° Apr 21° May 19° Jun 19° Jul 19° Aug 21° Sept 23° Oct 24° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the minimum age for this tour? + The minimum age to participate in rafting is 12 years old. Children between 12 and 17 years require a parent or guardian to sign a waiver form.
What should I bring for the rafting trip? + You should bring shoes with a secure heel strap (no thongs or slides), swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, and waterproof sunscreen/insect repellent.
Is there a fee for shoe hire? + Yes, shoe hire is available for $5 per pair if required.
How much is the Rafting Levy? + The Rafting Levy is AUD 35.00 per person and is payable on the day of travel.
Do I need to confirm my pickup time? + Yes, you must call 07 4042 7300 between 24-48 hours prior to travel to confirm your pickup time and location.
Can I get a refund if I cancel? + For a full refund, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Viator review
Fantastic crew. Great river.
Martin_B, October 2026
Highly recommended. Great crew who made it a fantastic experience. It was everything the website said and then some.
Liv was our guide and raft master. She was the best. Highly experienced and so knowledgeable.
Definitely recommend to anyone who wants a thrill while in Cairns.
★★★★★ Viator review
Awesome experience
Michelle_S, October 2026
Even if you have never rafted before this is quite a tame experience with a little thrill added. Took my 12 year old and he loved it
★★★★★ Viator review
Great experience for both...
Nova_A, September 2026
Great experience for both of us, love the river and nature around. The team also really supported for all of us.
Response from the operator · Michelle G Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience on our Barron River Rafting Tour! Our team absolutely loves showing off the best of this region, and we’re pumped to hear you enjoyed the adventure. Hope we get to explore more tropical magic with you next time!
★★★★★ Viator review
Great experience with...
Carrie_S, September 2026
Great experience with wonderful guides Great way to see the river
Could improve with only 1-2 pick up locations in Cairns
Response from the operator · Michelle G Thank you for your feedback on our Barron River Rafting Trip! It means the world to our guides!
★★★★★ Viator review
Even seniors can have fun
Nancy_D, August 2026
Even though my husband and I are ‘seniors’ and the oldest in all of the groups rafting that day, we were well looked after and had a lot of fun.
Response from the operator · Michelle G Wohoo we are so happy you had a blast on our Barron River Rafting Trip and we hope you join us for another adventure soon!
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