In short
- Wear secure shoes with heel straps; no flip-flops allowed.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes for afterward.
- Leave valuables at home, as items easily get lost in the river.
In this article
Getting ready for your half-day rafting trip is simple if you stick to the essentials. The Grade 2 and 3 rapids on the Barron River mean you will get wet. Wearing the right clothes and bringing the correct gear ensures you enjoy your time on the water.
What shoes do I need for white water rafting in Cairns?
You must wear secure footwear with a heel strap.
Old running shoes, sports sandals, or Crocs in sports mode work best. Flip-flops and thongs are strictly prohibited. If you do not have the right shoes, shoe hire is available for an extra fee from the operator.
What clothes should I wear on the raft?
Wear swimwear under your clothes.
Most participants wear a swimsuit or board shorts during the tour. You will also need a change of dry clothes and a towel to use after the trip finishes at Lake Placid.
Should I wear sunscreen on the river?
Yes, use water-resistant sunscreen before getting on the raft.
Apply your sunscreen carefully. Avoid putting it above your eyes, as it can wash into them and sting. You should also avoid applying it to the back of your legs, which can make you slide off the raft.
What other gear should I pack for the day?
Bring a reusable water bottle, your booking voucher, and money.
You need a card or cash to pay the mandatory $20 to $30 river levy on the day. You can also use this money to buy souvenir photos at the end of the tour.
Can I bring a camera or GoPro white water rafting?
You can bring a GoPro if you have a secure chest or helmet mount.
Handheld cameras and loose phones are not permitted while paddling the Grade 2 and 3 rapids. Professional photographers usually take action shots of your raft at Hells Gate, which you can buy later.
What items should I avoid bringing on the raft?
Leave all valuables behind, including jewelry and expensive sunglasses.
The Barron River moves quickly, and dropped items sink or wash away immediately. If you do not need it to paddle safely, do not bring it on the water.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Flip-flops and thongs | Strictly prohibited |
| Valuables and jewelry | Leave behind |
| GoPro cameras | Allowed with secure mount |
| Water-resistant sunscreen | Recommended |
Questions travellers ask
Can I wear flip-flops white water rafting?
No. Operators strictly ban flip-flops and thongs. You must wear shoes with a secure heel strap, like old runners or sports sandals. Shoe hire is available from operators if needed.
Do I need money on the day of the tour?
Yes. You must pay an Environmental Management Charge or river levy of approximately $20 to $30 per person directly to the operator. Extra funds are helpful if you want to buy souvenir photos.
Where do we change into dry clothes?
The rafting route ends at the Lake Placid Recreation Area. You can use your towel and change into your dry clothes here before heading back to your hotel.