Barron Gorge River Half-Day Rafting Adventure from Cairns

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
• Tour guide
• Training session
• Rafting equipment

• Rafting levy $35 per person
• Shoe rental (available for $5 per pair)
• Souvenir photos (available for $59)

If you choose the self-drive option, please make your own way to the Lake Placid Carpark, 101 Lake Placid Road, Caravonica QLD 4878

Alternatively, you can select options that include return transfers from Cairns or Port Douglas. Return transfers are available from selected hotels/locations—please check availability for pick-up points.

Check availability to see starting times.

• Customer-requested cancellations made at least 6 days prior to travel will receive a refund of 95% of the total booking amount. The remaining 5% will be retained as a non-refundable administration and booking fee. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
• Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
• Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Yes. No previous rafting experience is required, and the Grade 2 and 3 route is a popular introduction to white-water rafting. Your guide provides the equipment, safety briefing, paddle instruction and practice before the group enters the rapids. It is still an active river adventure, so be ready to listen, paddle and work with your raft crew.

You do not need advanced swimming skills, but some swimming ability and confidence around moving water are required. A life jacket is supplied, and your guide explains what to do if you enter the river. You must also be able to understand the safety instructions and assist yourself in the water.

Getting soaked is part of the fun, so expect your clothes and shoes to get completely wet. Waves, splashes and unexpected swims can all be part of white-water rafting, and a raft can overturn. The guide explains the correct positions and recovery procedure before departure, then directs the group throughout the river run.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and secure footwear such as sandshoes or adventure sandals. Thongs are not suitable. Bring a towel, dry clothes and waterproof sunscreen for afterwards. Secure rafting shoes can also be hired for $5 if needed.

Transfer options are available from selected Cairns, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas locations. If you prefer to self-drive, meet the group at Lake Placid Carpark, 101 Lake Placid Road, Caravonica. Self-drivers should remain with their vehicle while waiting for the rafting team.

The usual afternoon schedule is approximately 2.30pm to 6.30pm from Cairns and the Northern Beaches, 1.45pm to 7pm from Port Douglas, or 3pm to 5.30pm for self-drivers at Lake Placid. Some dates operate in the morning, with Cairns transfers running approximately 8am to 12pm and self-drive guests meeting around 8.30am. The available schedule is shown when selecting your travel date.

It is a good choice for adventurous families travelling with teenagers who are comfortable around water and ready to take part in the paddling. The minimum age is 12 years, and anyone under 18 must travel with a responsible adult or guardian. Every participant also needs some swimming ability and must be able to understand the guide’s safety instructions in English.