The 5 Best White Water Rafting Trips in Australia

1.Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,777 reviews · from $149Our pick

Ocean Rafting takes you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and secluded fringing reefs aboard a fast inflatable boat. Choose Northern Exposure for more snorkeling or Southern Lights for extra beach time. Guides such as Bernie, Hailey, Georgie, and Max combine safety advice, reef talks, and plenty of boat-ride fun.

“Superb! Everything is so satisfied. All members of Wipeout are so friendly and enthusiastic to us! Totally recommend!”

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2.Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · from $91

Join Foaming Fury for up to two hours on the Barron River, tackling Grade II and III rapids with a trained guide in each raft. Guides such as Lily, Jess, Jacob, and Dorothy lead clear safety briefings and keep the mood light. Choose Cairns or Port Douglas pickup, or meet at Lake Placid. Bring water, a towel, dry clothes, and secure footwear.

“Great afternoon on the rapids! Our guide was funny and controlled our raft well. Rapids were moderate, nothing too dangerous but enough for a fun adventure. Safe to take beginners and older kids.”

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3.Tully River Full-Day White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 669 reviews · from $142

Spend about 12 hours rafting the Tully River from Cairns, with roughly five hours on the water and more than 40 rapids, including Grade 4 sections. Guides such as Daz, Max, Tom, Johnny, and Paul have led trips here. Bring lace-up shoes, swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, and sunscreen. A pub meal is included.

“Simply outstanding. From the pick up at Cairns to constantly checking on us at every stage, the crew are just amazing. They are witty, engaging and despite the high adrenaline experience - always makes us feel safe during the rapids. A must-do on your trip to Australia.”

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4.Rainforest River Tubing from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 668 reviews · from $68Best value

Float through Cairns rainforest on the Mulgrave River, Little Mulgrave River, or Behana Gorge with a certified guide team. Expect gentle rapids, calm stretches, about 90 minutes to 2 hours on the water, and hotel pickup. Guides such as Jackie, Lura, Tom, Andrew, Nate, and Dhalia have helped make the trip friendly and safe.

“Nate and the crew were absolutely amazing. The experience was fun, stunning and refreshing. Definitely recommended for families and friends”

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5.Barron Gorge: Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 492 reviews · 150 minutes - 6 hours · from $81

You’ll tackle up to two hours of Grade Two and Three rapids in Barron Gorge National Park with an English-speaking guide such as Tom, Olivia, or Zac. Expect safety training, calm stretches, rainforest views, and playful raft tricks. Pickup is available from Cairns or selected Port Douglas locations, or meet at Lake Placid.

“excellent trip, seamless pickup from the selected location, great time spent on the water, Joe was an excellent guide”

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