Tully River Full-Day White Water Rafting

If you’re craving a day packed with excitement, stunning scenery, and a healthy splash of adrenaline, the Tully River full-day rafting tour might just be your next favorite outing. While we haven’t personally donned the life jacket and splashed down these waters, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint quite the picture of an adventure that’s well worth your time and money.

What we love most about this experience are three things: the professional guides who make safety and fun go hand-in-hand, the breathtaking rainforest scenery that surrounds the river, and the balanced mix of thrill and relaxation, with exciting rapids followed by a hearty pub meal. A potential drawback? The two-hour drive from Cairns might be a long haul for some, but it’s a small price to pay for the adventure that awaits.

This tour is best suited for active travelers, thrill-seekers, or anyone wanting a truly memorable outdoor experience in North Queensland. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the combination of scenery, adrenaline, and expert guidance makes this a standout day trip from Cairns.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-conscious, guides like Johnny and Tom make the experience enjoyable and secure.
• Stunning Scenery: Surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest, the river’s landscape provides a picture-perfect backdrop.
• Variety of Rapids: Offering over 45 rapids, including some up to Grade 4, there’s enough excitement for most adventure levels.
• All-Inclusive Equipment & Meals: Rafting gear, safety briefings, and a pub dinner included add value to the experience.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup from Cairns makes logistics simple, though the drive is around 2 hours.
• Unforgettable Memories: From floating effortlessly in calm sections to conquering wild rapids, you’ll leave with stories to tell.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Tully River adventure begins with a scenic drive from Cairns, about 140 km south, passing through lush coastal mountains and fields that seem to stretch endlessly. This drive alone offers a taste of Queensland’s lush landscape, preparing you mentally for the natural beauty ahead.

Start at The Golden Gumboot

The adventure kicks off at the meeting point in Tully, with a detailed safety briefing and paddling instruction from your guide—most notably Johnny, who’s praised for his humor, knowledge, and charismatic leadership. You’ll be fitted with a life jacket and helmet, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be accompanied by guides like Tom, who’s known for his energetic approach and attentive care.

The Rafting Experience

Once on the water, the real fun begins. The Tully River twists through the Tully Gorge, surrounded by towering granite boulders and vibrant rainforest. With over 45 rapids, some reaching Grade 4, your guide will help navigate the white-water chaos, making sure everyone feels safe while still feeling the thrill.

Reviewers mention specific rapids like the “Alarm Clock,” “Wet and Moisty,” “Staircase,” and the dramatic “Theatre,” which are considered some of the highlights. Expect to get soaked—many reviews talk about the exhilarating feeling of flying over the rapids and even floating down some in the calmer sections, sometimes with the boat flipping or getting caught in the current, like one guest who joked about “treasure hunting” after losing a GoPro in the water.

Post-Rafting Relaxation and Food

After several hours of splashing, paddling, and laughing, you’ll change into dry clothes and head back to the meeting point. The tour concludes with a hearty pub dinner, where you can unwind and swap stories about your wet and wild day. The included meal caters to various dietary needs, with vegetarian and vegan options, adding to the tour’s value.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Tully River Scenic Drive
The journey to Tully Gorge offers views of cloud-covered mountains, clear streams, and fields of sugarcane. The scenic drive is not just transportation but part of the adventure, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Stop 2: Rafting and Rapids
Expect approximately five hours on the river, which includes a safety briefing, paddling instructions, and the actual rafting. You’ll be provided all necessary equipment, except shoes, which must be lace-up and capable of getting wet. The guides, like Dan and Johnny, are praised for their professionalism and ability to make everyone feel at ease.

Stop 3: Refreshments and Dinner
Once the rafting is over, you’ll change into dry clothes and enjoy a pub meal, often described as “exceptional” and “great value,” with options for different diets. The meal is a perfect way to relax after an adrenaline-filled day and is included in the price.

Detailed Review of the Experience

The Guides

One of the standout features, based on reviewer feedback, is the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. Many mention Johnny and Tom by name, citing their humor, safety expertise, and ability to make the experience memorable. Several reviews note that guides like Dan and Paulie kept the energy high and provided interesting insights into the river and surrounding rainforest.

The Rapids

With over 45 rapids to conquer, the rapids are well-paced for all levels. Some are gentle enough for float-downs in calm sections, while others—like the Grade 4 “Theatre”—bring an adrenaline rush that keeps everyone on their toes. The variety of rapids keeps the day exciting, and guides’ skill in maneuvering the raft is evident. Reviewers say they felt safe but thrilled, and some even mention jumping off high rocks, adding an extra layer of fun.

Scenic Environment

The surrounding rainforest and granite boulders are a feast for the eyes, with many reviews remarking on how beautiful the scenery is. The river’s path through this lush landscape makes every paddle stroke feel like part of a natural spectacle, not just an adventure sport.

The Value

At around $135 per person, the price includes transport, all equipment, guides, and a meal—which many feel is good value considering the full day of activity and the quality of guides. Some mention that the drive is a little long, but the scenic views and the anticipation of the rapids make it worthwhile.

Practical Considerations

Travelers should prepare for wet conditions—wearing lace-up shoes that will get soaked, bringing swimwear, towels, dry clothes, and waterproof sunscreen. The tour is suitable for those aged 13 and up and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. The maximum group size is 54, which helps keep things organized but still lively.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a curious traveler wanting to see North Queensland’s magnificent rainforest from a new perspective, this rafting tour offers a well-rounded, fun-filled day. The expert guides ensure safety and entertainment, the scenery is breathtaking, and the mix of rapids and calm waters keeps everyone engaged.

The inclusion of a pub dinner and hotel pickup adds to the convenience, making it a hassle-free adventure. However, be prepared for some travel time and wet conditions, and ensure you’re comfortable with physical activity.

If you’re after an authentic outdoor experience that combines action, natural beauty, and good value, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially perfect for those who want to leave Cairns with stories of conquering wild rapids and floating in lush rainforests.

FAQs

How long does the drive from Cairns to Tully Gorge take?
The drive is approximately two hours each way, making for a total travel time of about 4 hours including the return. The scenic drive is part of the experience, offering beautiful views of mountains and farmland.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers all rafting equipment (excluding shoes), experienced guides, hotel pickup and drop-off (except Tully), and a pub meal afterward. All safety gear and paddling instructions are also provided.

What age do participants need to be?
The minimum age is 13 years, and children aged 13–18 require a parent or guardian’s signature on the waiver.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the rapids are graded up to 4, making it appropriate for most experience levels, especially with guides helping to maneuver the raft and providing safety instructions.

What should I bring?
Bring lace-up shoes that will get wet, a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes for afterward, waterproof sunscreen, and possibly waterproof cameras or GoPros (note some reviewers have lost items in the river).

Will I get wet?
Absolutely. Expect to get soaked during the rapids, and be prepared for some splashes even in calmer sections. Many guests mention the adrenaline rush and enjoying every splash.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires a reasonable level of fitness, as you’ll be paddling for several hours and handling the physical effort needed to steer the raft through rapids.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour depends on good weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Words

The Tully River full-day rafting tour offers a rare blend of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance at a fair price point. It’s a perfect choice for active travelers eager to experience some of North Queensland’s best natural features and adrenaline rushes in one package. With rave reviews highlighting the guides’ professionalism, the breathtaking environment, and the sheer fun of navigating wild rapids, this tour is likely to deliver memories that last long after the splash has dried. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a unique outdoor activity, this rafting trip is a genuine thrill and a fantastic way to see the rainforest from a different perspective.