Since 1984 the Tully River has been CAIRNS' MUST DO adventure activity, attracting vistors from around the globe.
Conquer grade 3 & 4 rapids on a wild ride through a spectacular gorge surrounded by World Heritage rainforest. No experience necessary, our River Guides have got you covered. It’s a full day out with departures from Cairns, Mission Beach and Feluga. Pick-ups in Cairns from 6am with a 6pm return to Cairns, or 10am and 10pm depending on the season. This itinerary usually runs on the months indicated, but is subject to change. If self-driving, the meeting point is Feluga
Each raft is controlled by a highly trained river guide, who teaches you the correct techniques during the day, and who will share with you the history and wonders of this magnificent landscape which few get to see.
6am to 6pm itinerary |
10am to 10pm itinerary |
- 06.00 - 08.30
Pick up from accommodation and enjoy the scenic drive to Tully via Feluga.
- 08.30 - 09.00
Comfort stop and time to grab a quick breakfast at the iconic Feluga Hotel.
- 09.00 – 09.45
Travel to the top of the Tully River Gorge and get fitted with rafting gear.
- 10.00 – 12.00
Meet your River Guide who will give you a safety briefing and paddling instructions before it’s time to hit the water!
- 12.00 - 12.30
Stop for a quick break to recharge the batteries and enjoy a riverside picnic lunch.
- 12.30 - 14.30
It’s back to the churning white water to tackle more epic rapids on the lower section of the river.
- 14.30 – 14.45
Arrive at the take-out point and change into dry clothes.
- 14.45 – 16.00
Transfer to the Feluga Hotel where you can enjoy a cold beverage or hot snack (own cost) with your Guide & crew surrounded by a living history of Tully Rafting memorabilia.
- 16.00 – 18.00
Sit back and relax as we transfer you back to your accommodation.
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- 10.00 – 11.00
Pick-ups from Cairns accommodation.
- 11.00 - 13.00
Depart for the scenic drive to Tully.
- 13.00 - 13.45
Rendezvous with other (self-drive) rafters at the Feluga Hotel, before we stop in Tully to grab a quick bite of lunch (optional, own cost).
- 13.45 - 14.30
Travel to the top of the Tully River Gorge and get fitted with rafting gear.
- 14.30 - 15.00
Meet your River Guide who will give you a safety briefing and paddling instructions before it’s time to hit the water!
- 15.00 - 18.00
Raft the world-renowned Tully River conquering awesome grade 3 & 4 rapids!
- 18.00 - 19.15
Arrive at the take-out point and change into dry clothes before the short journey to the Feluga Hotel, a traditional Queensland country pub.
- 19.15 - 20.15
Indulge in a hearty pub dinner with your guide and crew, view photos of your trip and compare river stories surrounded by a living history of epic rafting on the Tully River!
- 20.15 - 22.00
Kick back and relax as we transfer you back to your accommodation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear rafting?
Wear the same clothes you would wear to the beach as you will definitely get wet, board shorts are recommended for both guys and girls. Make sure you bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into after your rafting adventure. It is recommended you apply sunscreen before you go rafting, but don't apply this to the back of your legs (as rubber and sunscreen make for a slippery combination) or above your eyes. You will need to wear secure footwear which will not come off your foot while rafting such as running shoes or sandals with an ankle strap. If you don't have suitable footwear (or don't want yours to get wet) we have sandals for hire at the Tully Cafe which we stop at before we go rafting.
Will it be cold?
Cairns is located in the tropics with average day time temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) in winter to 33°C (95°F) degrees in summer. This allows us to raft all year round, even when its raining. For those who feel the cold we have free spray jackets and hire wetsuit tops from our cafe which we stop at in the morning before we go rafting.
What can I bring aboard the raft?
Just yourself, all of your bags, towels and clothing will be locked aboard the bus which will meet you at the bottom of the river. If you need to take medication during the day, give this to your guide who will arrange for it to be carried on the trip. If you wear prescription glasses these should have a strap on them, but normal sunglasses are not necessary or recommended. Handheld ameras are not recommended as there is a high chance of you loosing them if you fall out of the raft, however we do have some helmets with GoPro mounts if you want to film your day. You should leave any jewelry or watches in the safety of your hotel room (as the river has already claimed several wedding rings).
How safe is White Water Rafting?
Like any adventure activity, rafting carries with it inherent risks and you will be required to sign an indemnity form to this effect on the day.On each trip our River Medics examine the health questionnaires completed by our rafters, and are able to address concerns in relation to rafting such as medication, diabetes, and prior injuries. These select senior guides are also trained as Emergency Medical Technicians, with on-river oxygen and defibrillator kits to complement our comprehensive first aid and trauma kits. This enables us to keep rafting as safe as possible for people from all nationalities and walks of life, while still allowing everyone to experience the thrill of rafting.
What safety gear will I wear?
All of our rafters are fitted with life jackets and helmets as a safety precaution at the top of the river, you will need to wear these while in the raft.
What medical conditions will prevent me from rafting?
Pregnancy and rafting do not mix, and you must have minimal swimming abilities. Our river medics will discuss with you any other medical conditions you may have, and how best to manage these during your adventure.
Where is the Tully River?
The Tully River is located 2.5 hours south east of Cairns and 1 hour west of Mission Beach.
Can I drive my car to the Tully River?
You won't be able to drive to the top of the river yourself on the day of your rafting trip, as we don't return to the top of the river after the trip. You can however choose to meet us at the Feluga Hotel (map supplied on booking), and we will then transfer you to the top of the river aboard our coach and then drop you back at the end of the day.