Our 15 Favourite Australia Rafting Tours

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · from $91 a head Our pick

Raft the Barron River for about two hours with Foaming Fury, tackling Grade II and III rapids under guides such as Lily, Jess, Hayden, or Dorothy. You need no prior experience, but you do need moderate fitness, secure wet footwear, and a change of clothes. Hotel pickup, safety gear, and coach transport are included, while the A$30 river levy is extra.

“The guide/coach is very nice and hork very hard ro help us during the whole trip It is fun even under raining.”

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2.Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 788 reviews · 1 day · from $378 a head

Combine a 60-minute fixed-wing flight over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach with a high-speed Ocean Rafting trip. With up to 12 people, you get a window seat, guided Hill Inlet walk, snorkeling gear, lunch, and either two snorkel sites or extra Whitehaven Beach time.

“All the tour guides were excellent. They made the day super fun, enjoyable and very informative. They got us to all the spots on the list at the perfect times and helped us with anything we needed. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough we done the Plane and raft package and it was excellent all the way through. amazing views of the heart reef and islands in the plane. Great snorkelling spots with so much sea life and amazing reefs. Lunch was delicious and the boat ride across to the islands was so enjoyable. Big thanks to Taylor, Cody and James for making that an unforgettable on the boat Joyride…”

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3.Tully River Full-Day White Water Rafting

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

Spend about 12 hours rafting the Tully River from Cairns, including a scenic drive, safety training, more than 40 rapids, rainforest views, and a pub meal. Guides such as Daz, Max, Tom, Johnny, and Paul are known for clear instruction and good humor. Bring lace-up shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and dry clothes.

“Getting stuck Floating down without the boat through the rapids The guide’s knowledge We seamed to go forever n ever”

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

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

Meet your guide at Lake Placid for up to two hours of rafting on the Barron River. You will learn paddling and safety commands before tackling Grade Two and Three rapids beneath rainforest-covered cliffs. Guides such as Olivia, Zac, Lexi, and Tom are known for clear instruction and playful river tricks. Pickup from Cairns or selected Port Douglas locations is available.

“A great half day trip! Efficient transport collection, good equipment. Lots of fun!”

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5.Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 316 reviews · from $383 a head

Spend about eight hours combining a 60-minute fixed-wing flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef with an Ocean Rafting trip to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You get guided walks, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a stinger suit. Crew members such as Hayley, Tay, Daisy, and Rich are known for keeping the day lively and well organized.

“Although my flight was cancel due to the weather, but the other activity was really good. Daisy really drive a good boat. 👍👍”

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6.Full Day White Water Rafting From Cairns or Mission Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 182 reviews · 390 minutes - 11 hours · from $126 a head

Spend up to three hours rafting Grade 3 and 4 rapids on the Tully River with guides such as Jake, Sean, or Liv. You get safety training, equipment, rainforest scenery, swims, and a hearty pub dinner with photos available afterward. Pickup from Cairns makes this a long day, while Mission Beach cuts the road time.

“Super fun activity! Sam was an amazing guide - full of energy and really nice to talk to!”

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7.Barron River Half-Day White Water Rafting Cairns or Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · from $91 a head

Raft the Barron River through Barron Gorge National Park on a 3.5-hour trip from Cairns, the Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas. You will get a safety briefing, equipment, and paddling instruction before tackling rapids such as Rooster Tail and Cheese Churn. Guides including Addison, Tina, Jack, Max, and Tom are known for clear instruction, good humor, and careful river management.

“Was one of the greatest experience I’ve had. Our guide Jack was just wonderful- explained everything. He made day so much fun. Would highly recommend this and definitely doing this again.”

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8.Tully River White Water Rafting Half day- from Mission Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · from $107 a head

Join Wildside Adventures for a guided half-day rafting run on the Tully River. You’ll learn the basics, handle class 2 and 3 rapids, and watch for Ulysses butterflies and birds in ancient Wet Tropics rainforest. Pickup is offered from Mission Beach or Cairns, with John and Shane among the guides praised for their humor and river skills.

“Great family activity Guides were very knowledgeable in their field and through in heaps of humour which made it really fun.”

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9.Raging Thunder Barron Gorge River Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 104 reviews · 150 - 330 minutes · from $82 a head

Join Cairns Adventure Group for a half-day Barron River rafting trip near Cairns. You’ll practice on flat water, then tackle Grade 2 and 3 rapids such as Rooster Tail with guides including Megan, Jacob, Harry, and John. The trip suits first-timers, includes gear and training, and offers optional pickup from Cairns or Port Douglas.

“Our tour guide Megan was very informative. She was very full of energy.”

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10.Adventure Rafting – Mooloolaba Turtle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $71 a head

You’ll board a powerful 350-horsepower action raft at The Wharf Mooloolaba for about an hour of sharp turns, ocean spray, and coastal views. The route passes Mooloolaba Beach, Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland, and Mudjimba Island. Spray gear and waterproof phone cases are supplied, and children must be at least five.

“Unfortunately we didn’t see much of the turtles, just a few heads bobbing on the surface. Also didn’t get to go into the water”

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11.Dreamworld, WhiteWater World & SkyPoint 3-Day Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 82 reviews · 365 days · from $112 a head

Use your pass for three days within seven days of your first visit to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and SkyPoint. Ride The Giant Drop and Jungle Rush, meet wildlife at Tiger Island, cool off on water slides, then see the Gold Coast from 230 metres above sea level at SkyPoint. Check park hours before setting out.

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12.Mission Beach: Tully River Half Day White Water Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 40 reviews · 4 hours · from $106 a head

You’ll meet Wildside Adventures guides at Tully Gorge Camping and Day Use Area, then learn to steer a sports raft through calm water and grade 2 and 3 rapids. The four-hour trip includes equipment, instruction, and a beer or soft drink afterward. Mission Beach and Tully pickups are available only by prior arrangement.

“Det var sjovt og udfordrende. Guiderne kom 20 min for sent og de måtte godt have fortalt mere om dyrelivet”

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13.Gold Coast: 2-Day Dreamworld, WhiteWater World + SkyPoint

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 27 reviews · 365 days · from $84 a head

This flexible pass gives you access to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World during seasonal operation, and SkyPoint at Q1. Plan two attraction days within seven days of your first visit, with roller coasters, family rides, water slides, wildlife and 360-degree Gold Coast views.

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14.Yarra River Half-Day Rafting Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $47 a head Cheapest seat

Paddle a two-person inflatable raft through Grade 2 rapids on the Yarra River near Warrandyte. Your guide supplies safety gear, lunch, a shuttle, and dry storage while you pass mini-gorges, native bush, and wildlife. Andrew may be your guide, and the private outing suits beginners, families, and friends who do not mind getting wet.

“Excellent experience. Guides were excellent. Day was enjoyable even though weather wasn’t perfect. Lunch was well catered and covered all tastes.”

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15.Mooloolaba: Adventure Rafting Turtle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 1h 30m · from $48 a head

Join Adventure Rafting at The Wharf Mooloolaba for a 90-minute coastal ride in a custom-built 12-metre RIB. The English-speaking guide covers local history, wildlife, and landmarks as you pass the fishing fleet, Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Mooloolaba Beach, and Alexandra Headlands. The boat carries up to 20 people and may stop near Mudjimba Island to look for turtles.

“Felt adventurous! It went fast through the waves which was really fun!”

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