Cairns, Australia
Navigate Grade 2 and 3 rapids on a half-day tour. Reliable water releases guarantee year-round rafting in Barron Gorge National Park.
4.8 from 1,630 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare self-drive and hotel-transfer options.
Most bookedBrace yourself for an action-packed, half-day, white-water rafting adventure on the Barron River! Navigate thrilling Grade 2 and 3 rapids for up to 2-hours, as you surge...
Top ratedPrepare yourself for an action-packed, half-day, white-water rafting adventure on the Barron River! Navigate thrilling Grade 2 and 3 rapids for up to 2-hours, as you...
Morning Rainforest River Tubing: - Relaxing float through tropical scenery on the Barron River - Surrounded by lush rainforest, birdlife, and calm freshwater flows -...
Explore
What to expect on the river.
3 spotsRafting Route GuideNavigate Grade 2 and 3 rapids on this action-packed stretch.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
2 spotsLake Placid AreaThe calm and scenic finish point for the rafting tours.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
2 spotsUpper Barron GorgeExplore waterfalls and rainforests in the elevated tableland section.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Guaranteed water levels 365 days a year.
Thanks to the 66 MW Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station.
Plan your visit
Tours take about 4 hours total. You spend up to 2 hours on the water.
Hydro station releases mean great conditions year-round. Afternoon tours are standard.
Self-drive to Lake Placid in 20 minutes from Cairns. Hotel transfers are also available.
Tours cost $135 to $179 AUD. A river levy may be payable on the day.
Barron Gorge National Park sits just 20 minutes from central Cairns. The Barron River cuts through steep ravines and dense rainforest here. It offers up to two hours of reliable white water action.
Daily releases from the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station guarantee the water levels. You will tackle rapids like Rooster Tail and Mother in Law. Discover more about the Rafting Route Guide.
Most tours run in the afternoon. You can self-drive to Lake Placid or book a hotel transfer. Read our guide on Prices and Tickets for cost breakdowns.
We highlight feedback on guides and organization.
We separate self-drive tickets from inclusive transfers.
We warn you about mandatory levies and shoe hires.
From Viator
1,630 reviews of the barron river rafting on Viator
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.
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
Had a fantastic afternoon on the Barron. Jack and Zach were terrific. Thanks
What a great experience. We were picked up in Cairns and within a short time were at the river. All equipment was provided, and bags with a dry change of clothing safely stored for later. The guides knew their stuff and made for a hilarious experience, the whole boat was laughing hysterically as we plunged down the river.
We did two tours on the same day. First up was river tubing and then white water rafting in the afternoon. Both were fantastic experiences led by our river guide Kyle and also Zac for the tubing. We got picked up from the northern beaches and the journey was comfortable. All in all, a great day. Thanks Kyle and Zac.
We had lots of laughter on their gentle River Tubing' half day adventure. The price includes pick up from the Northern Beaches, the guide was great providing lots of info before we got in the water. Lots of laughter and fun whatever your age. We didn't bother taking a camera/phone to take photos, we just wanted to enjoy the wee rapids.
Travel tips
Barron vs TullyCompare the beginner-friendly Barron River with the advanced Tully River.Read Prices and TicketsCompare costs, mandatory levies, and transfer options for rafting tours.Read 
Best Rafting SeasonFind out when to raft the Barron River and why water levels are guaranteed.Read Packing GuideKnow exactly what to wear and bring for your Barron River rafting trip.Read 
Family Rafting InfoFind out the minimum age and safety rules for Barron River rafting.Read Getting to Lake PlacidDirections for driving or taking a shuttle to your Barron River raft.Read No prior experience is needed. The Barron River features Grade 2 and 3 rapids, which are perfect for beginners. Professional guides provide all necessary training on the day.
Tour prices typically range from $135 to $179 AUD. The price depends on whether you self-drive or need hotel transfers. Read more about Prices and Tickets.
The Barron River has Grade 2 and 3 rapids. Notable rapids include Rooster Tail, Mother in Law, and Hells Gate. These provide a fun thrill without extreme danger.
The entire half-day tour takes about 4 hours. This includes transport and safety briefings. You spend up to 2 hours actively rafting on the water.
Wear swimwear under your clothes. You must wear secure footwear with a heel strap, like old runners or sports sandals. See our full guide on Packing Guide.
The standard minimum age is 12 years old for Grade 2 and 3 rapids. Some operators offer milder family trips for children from 6 years old.
Secure your spot on the river today.
