Aerial view of people floating on red tubes down a forest river.

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Lake Placid & Lower Barron Gorge

The lower section of Barron Gorge marks the calm finish line for half-day white water rafting tours.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

After navigating Grade 2 and 3 rapids, rafters float into the quiet waters of Lake Placid. This area also serves as the meeting point for self-drive tours.

Daily water releases from the nearby 66 MW Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station ensure regular river flows. This infrastructure allows operators to run rafting trips year-round.

Several yellow rafts with people navigating through rocky river rapids.

Lake Placid Recreation Area

30 mins20 mins from Cairns

This quiet lake sits at the base of the gorge. It marks the official end of your 2-hour rafting trip. Self-drive visitors park and meet their guides here before taking a bus up the gorge. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm water after your tour.

View from above of a yellow raft navigating river rapids surrounded by rocks.

Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station

Viewed from afar66 MW capacity

This 66 MW power station controls the daily water releases for the river. These regular flows guarantee reliable water levels for rafting 365 days a year. Most rafting tours start a short walk downstream from this industrial landmark.