About Barron River Rafting

Half Day Afternoon Rafting Experience

Barron River Half Day White Water Rafting

Only 20 minutes from the centre of Cairns, the Barron River is a fantastic introduction to White Water Rafting. Offering guaranteed water levels year round, no experience is necessary to raft these Grade 2 & 3 rapids.  

The trip commences 100m south of the Barron Hydro Station. A short walk is required to access the rapid section, and then the adventure begins! Each raft is controlled by a highly trained River Guide who is expertly trained to negotiate the white water.

Enjoy up to 2 hours of white water rafting grade 2-3 rapids. You will discover rapids such as 'Rooster Tail', 'Mother in Law', 'Cheese Churn' and 'Hells Gate' plus experience the meaning behind their names! 

Barron River begins its way on the Atherton Tablelands and flows towards Kuranda before descending down the 260m high Barron Falls and reaching the Cairns floodplains. The steep, narrow Barron Gorge is formed at the base of these falls. Much of the water that flows along the gorge is used to generate electricity at the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station. This is ideal for rafting, providing a consistent supply of water all year round.

Cairns is lucky enough to have the Barron River located just 20 minutes from the city, ideal for a half day of white water action. No experience is necessary to raft these grade 3 rapids.

The rafting guides are all very professional and safety conscious, but at the same time will ensure you have lots of laughs and the best time ever. They will share some of the scenic highlights and historical points of interest in the area. Inbetween rapids you will have the chance to admire and take in the dense rainforest surrounds and outstanding scenery of the Barron Gorge.

As this is an afternoon tour it’s also perfect to combine with other tours in the same day, such as Canyoning, Hot Air Ballooning, Skyrail, ATV or Horse Riding.

An awesome adventure for all the family! Minimum age is 12 years.

Barron River Rafting Features

White Water Rafting on the Barron River
  • 2 hours of white water rafting
  • Guaranteed water levels all year round on the power station controlled waters of the river
  • All tuition - no experience necessary
  • Accommodation transfers
  • Complimentary tea & coffee at the end of your rafting trip

 

What to Bring

Barron River Rafting
  • Secure footwear that won't fall off your feet (you can also hire some on the day)
  • Swimming costume, towel, sunscreen
  • Dry clothes to put on after the trip
  • Money for souvenirs and snacks, photos etc.
  • Please do not wear any jewellery - it is recommended that you leave anything of value in your hotel safe for this trip.

Times

Barron River Rafting Raging Thunder

Pick-up and Departure times
The Barron River is only 20 minutes from Cairns & Northern Beaches & just 40 minutes from Port Douglas.

  • Pick up Port Douglas : 1:15pm daily (Foaming Fury Only)
  • Return Port Douglas : 6:30pm (Foaming Fury Only)
  • Pick up Cairns : 2pm daily
  • Return Cairns : 5:45pm

Self Drive Option
For a self-drive, meet the group at the Lake Placid Car Park at 2:20pm.

Foaming Fury vs Raging Thunder

Raging thunder Rafting Bus & Guide

The two Barron River Rafting options are almost identical they both start and finish at the same time a place, have the same size rafts, and offer hotel transfers.

The only difference between the two trips is that Raging thunder offer access to the change rooms and lockers at Lake Placid. They also offer tea and coffee at the end of the day when you get a chance to look at the photos from the day.

Foaming Fury offers an additional pick-up from Port Douglas while Raging Thunder only offers transfers from Cairns and the Northern Beaches.

Raging Thunder Barron River Rafting

  • 2 hours of rafting Grade 3 rapids
  • Rafts carry up to 7 passengers plus River Guide
  • Change rooms available after rafting
  • Cairns & Northern Beaches Transfers

Foaming Fury Barron River Rafting

  • 2 hours of rafting Grade 3 rapids
  • Rafts carry up to 7 passengers plus River Guide
  • Cairns, Port Douglas & Northern Beaches Transfers

News By Barron River Rafting

Barron River Rafting currently unavailable until May 2024

Barron River Rafting

By Barron River Rafting

29 Dec 2023

We regret to inform you that our beloved Barron River Rafting experience has encountered an unforeseen interruption. Cyclone Jasper, which recently swept through the area, has significantly impacted the Barron Gorge region, leading to extensive flooding and consequential damages.

The severity of the situation has necessitated the closure of several roads and, most critically, has affected the Barron Gorge hydro station. This station is pivotal for maintaining the consistent water levels required for our rafting activities. As a result of these developments, we are currently unable to operate our Barron River Rafting tours.

After careful assessment and consideration for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, we have concluded that these tours will likely remain unavailable until approximately May 2024. We understand the disappointment this may cause to those who were looking forward to this thrilling experience, and we share in your sentiment.

However, all is not lost for rafting enthusiasts! We are actively working on providing an alternate afternoon rafting trip. This alternative will be contingent upon the water levels and the restoration of safe conditions for our rafting adventures. We are committed to ensuring that this alternative experience, when available, will live up to the high standards of excitement and enjoyment that our guests expect from us.

Please stay tuned for more information regarding the alternative rafting tour. We will be providing updates as the situation evolves and as we have more concrete plans in place. 

We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Your safety and satisfaction remain our top priorities, and we are eager to welcome you back for an unforgettable rafting adventure as soon as possible.

 


Barron River Rafting Reviews

FS

Francois Steyn

We had the time of our lives today. Easily one of the most fun things we've done as a family ever! If you ever have the chance, do NOT miss this and go Xtreme, it's worth it. Thanks Dazza for taking good care of us today. You made it extra special.

DM

Donna Michelle Sampson

Our family including 2 teens had a fabulous day on the Tully. Our guide James made sure we had an exciting and fun experience. The lunch was great and we had loads of fun and plenty of screaming.

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Barron River Rafting

Departures: Return hotel transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches (Trinity Beach, Palm Cove) - Departs 6:30am .. Returns 6:00pm Return hotel transfers from Port Douglas at 9:30am with 3 hours free time in Cairns, return approx. 6:10pm Self Drive to Lake Placid - Departs 2:15pm. Returns 5:30pm


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