Half Day
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Half-Day Rainforest River Tubing from Cairns

(17 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 5 hours

 

Highlights

  • Float through Behana Gorge or Mulgrave River on a fun and safe tubing adventure
  • Enjoy rainforest scenery with calm pools and small rapids suitable for all ages 5+
  • Fully guided with expert instructors, safety gear, and no prior experience required

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What to expect

Minimum age requirement is 5 years. Bookings are not accepted for participants under 5.

Discover the natural beauty of Cairns’ tropical rainforest with an exciting river tubing adventure. Choose between the crystal-clear waters of Behana Gorge or the Mulgrave River, where lush rainforest meets gently flowing streams and small, exciting rapids.

This family-friendly activity is designed for ages five and up and is suitable for all fitness levels. With at least two professional guides on the water at all times, you can relax knowing that your safety and enjoyment are the top priorities. No previous experience is required, and all safety gear, tubes, and training are provided before you begin.

As you drift along the river, take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, spot native wildlife, and breathe in the fresh, tropical air. Whether you’re gliding through calm pools or bouncing gently over rapids, this tubing adventure offers the perfect combination of fun, nature, and relaxation — just a short drive from Cairns.

Please note: $20pp River Levy is payable on the day of travel.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary; yours may vary based on the road and/or weather conditions on the day of your tour.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

N
Natalie

17 July 2025

This was a fun experience with pleasant guides. I upturned out of my ring at one point of the route, along with around half the group, but the water was mostly shallow enough to stand up in. We were a family of 5 aged between 18 and 63. Life jackets and helmets were provided for all, shoes could be hired but old trainers would suffice. The scenery along the route is quite serene. We changed out of our wet things at the side of the road, a few changing tents were available. Note, there are no toilets or any facilities.

★★★★★

L
Lisa

27 Aug 2025

An amazing morning tubing on the Lower Musgrave River. Jenna was a great guide and dealt with our group’s different skills and needs with humour and patience. The river gave us a perfect balance of relaxing floating and exciting rapids. Thank you so much for a fantastic experience!

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Cairns and Northern Beaches
  • 2-hour river tubing
  • River tubing tuition from professional guides
  • All safety equipment and training

Extra

  • River Levy ($20 per person, payable on board)
  • Shoe Hire ($5 per pair)
  • Sunglass Strap Hire ($5 per strap)

Time and Departure Location

Return transfers are included from selected Cairns hotels/locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Valuables

Know before you go

  • This activity is suitable for anyone aged 5 and older
  • Every participant must sign a liability waiver prior to participating
  • Some medical conditions, disabilities, or impairments may exclude participants from tubing for safety reasons
  • This activity is not suitable for pregnant women
  • The River Levy ($20 per person) is not included and is payable onboard

Not suitable for

  • Children under 5 years
  • Pregnant women
  • Wheelchair users

What To Bring

  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel. 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.
  • Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour more relaxing or adventurous?

It offers a fun mix of both. You will drift through calm freshwater sections surrounded by tropical vegetation, then pick up the pace through small rapids and playful river sections. Water levels change the balance from one departure to another, so some parts may involve paddling or pushing away from rocks, but it remains a beginner-friendly way to enjoy a rainforest river.

Do I need previous tubing experience or strong swimming skills?

No previous tubing experience is needed. You will receive a safety briefing and wear a helmet and life jacket, with at least two guides on the water. The river is often shallow, but you should still be comfortable around moving water and able to follow guide instructions because entering the river can happen if a tube tips.

What happens if I fall out of my tube?

Small rapids are one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience, and occasionally a guest may slip or tip out of the tube. Your briefing explains how to position yourself and what to do, while the guides stay with the group and help guests back into their tubes. Keep hold of the tube if you can and follow the guide’s directions.

Which river will we go tubing on?

The river and exact tubing section are selected to suit water levels and conditions on the day. This means the route can vary between departures, but each option is chosen to provide the best available combination of rainforest scenery, calm water and small rapids. You do not need to select a river when booking.

How much time will we spend tubing on the river?

Allow about five hours for the complete experience, including transfers, equipment fitting and safety preparation. Around 1.5 to 2 hours are normally spent tubing on the river, depending on water levels and the route used that day.

Are there toilets and changing facilities at the river?

Simple pop-up changing tents are normally available at the finish so you can change into dry clothes. There are no toilets or permanent changing facilities at the river, so use the toilet before departure and arrive wearing swimwear under your clothes. Bring a towel and a complete change of clothes for the return journey.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Morning and afternoon departures are available on selected dates. Cairns morning pickups begin at approximately 7.45am with a return around midday, while afternoon pickups begin at approximately 1.45pm with a return around 6pm. Return transfers are available from selected Cairns locations, with selected Northern Beaches pickups also available on some departures. Choose the available pickup point when booking.

17 Reviews
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Sasha

Couple Traveller

The morning was great nice little dirt down the river with some rapids and guides are around incase anything happens.

July 26, 2025

Kim

Couple Traveller

Our guides Kristina,Lewis and Harry were fantastic. A very relaxing day spent tubing a river in the rainforest. Fantastic!

July 21, 2025

Wei

Solo Traveller

It was a relaxing, fun and scenic adventure, made even better by helpful guides

July 15, 2025

Garry

Solo Traveller

Loved it had the best time full of laughs and relaxation

July 10, 2025

John

Couple Traveller

The guides were excellent ensuring everyone had a great time and was safe.

July 4, 2025
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