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The most effective issues about Cairns is that you’re by no means wanting issues to do. You possibly can dive into the Nice Barrier Reef, laze round on a tropical island, go climbing or on bush walks, or just chill within the CBD and do some procuring.
However we’re a household that likes to maintain issues adventurous, so in case you’re additionally somebody who’s in search of some adrenalin-fueled points of interest in Tropical North Queensland, you then would possibly like white water rafting in Cairns.
There are two principal rivers in Cairns, The Tully and the Barron River. One is for adventurers, and the opposite is a little more family-friendly.
Undecided which white water rafting expertise is best for you? This information will let you know about our expertise white water rafting in Cairns and provide you with a little bit thought about what to anticipate.
Which is the Greatest River in Cairns for White Water Rafting?
There are two rivers that provide white water rafting they usually each supply one thing completely different and distinctive, so there isn’t actually a greatest river, per se.
Let’s take a better take a look at each to see which one is perhaps greatest for you.
Barron River
The Barron River is simply a 20-minute automobile experience out of Cairns and so will be simply visited as a half-day journey. You probably have a short while in Cairns, that is the river that can assist you to pack extra into your itinerary.
The rapids are gentler than The Tully, although nonetheless sturdy sufficient for the fun, making it a implausible introduction to white water rafting for first timers. It’s appropriate for freshmen and households with kids of a minimal age of 12. The fast grade is 2-3, which is about in the midst of the dimensions.
Though it may be carried out as a half-day tour, you continue to get to spend a very good two hours on the river.
In addition to the exhilaration of journey, the Barron River can also be an space of excellent pure magnificence, with the beautiful Atherton Tablelands within the distance, and the jungles surrounding Kuranda. And let’s not overlook, the 260m excessive Barron Falls.
Barron Gorge is a slender valley shaped by waterfalls. Whereas the realm is beautiful, the rapids will be fairly sturdy in locations and are even used to create electrical energy by the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Energy Station, so don’t be underestimated by these waters.
Excursions for these rapids run all yr spherical and no expertise is important.
The Tully
The Tully River is a 2 hour drive from Cairns and so it can require a full day to expertise. The rapids listed below are a more difficult Grade 3-4, however are mentioned to supply a few of the greatest rafting in Australia.
The Tully River passes by way of the world heritage rainforest, Tully Gorge Nationwide Park, which supplies you unbelievable surroundings of the rainforest round you.
This feature is greatest suited for individuals who have carried out white water rafting earlier than, however in case you haven’t, you’ll be able to nonetheless be a part of. A full security briefing is given beforehand to ensure you’re comfy and know what to do.
You have to be 13 years or over to deal with these rapids.
Our Expertise White Water Rafting in Cairns
You understand you’re in North Queensland when the lodge info e book has cyclone procedures and stinger security precautions. And you need to fear about crocodiles.
Fortunate for us, we have been visiting Cairns out of stinger and cyclone season. We visited at first of winter, the right time to expertise Tropical North Queensland, with heat temperatures minus the stifling humidity.
We spent just a few days kicking again and enjoyable, so we have been desirous to get out and do one thing extra action-packed.
So we determined to go white water rafting. We opted to go to the Barron River rapids because it was the closest to Cairns.
We determined to make use of Raging Thunder Adventures as our river guides for this expedition, they usually definitely supplied us the adventure-fueled time out that we would have liked.
I swear our information Marty, Mr White Water Rafting, knew we had some severe meals elimination to do from all that enjoyable we’d carried out earlier than. Our first encounter was to get moist, and swim over to the raft.
Marty appeared to make our light swim within the “regular” waters of the river a bit additional than the opposite boats.
The traditional half is the place the rapids stopped and the croc’s houses began.
I’m unsure what it’s about fast rivers and the absence of crocs in locations you recognize the crocs would simply love. We had the same expertise of a white-water rafting journey on the Nile River.
“You guys can bounce in now and swim,” our information mentioned after we reached an extended, nonetheless stretch of water.
“What do you imply? Isn’t this the half the place the crocs are?” We knew it wasn’t the place the rapids have been as the traditional beasts are fearful of them.
“Belief us, it’s protected right here.”
I can’t imagine I truly jumped in and swam, similar to I used to be doing this time on the Barron River within the lovely Barron Gorge Nationwide Park.
Aside from the odd joke, Marty assured us there have been no crocs on this river, regardless that there have been just a few indicators on the river financial institution of Lake Placid warning folks to watch out.
Apparently, it’s a pleasant one and to not be nervous about. As all the time once you journey take heed to the locals! (Significantly, no should be freaked out about this, it’s all good!)
It began off as an pleasant and enjoyable afternoon by way of the beautiful jungle ending at Lake Placid – simply the form of title that indicators man-eating crocs.
However all that was about to alter, as we entered the few thrills on the Barron River rafting journey by way of rapids known as The Meat Cleaver, The Suckhole, and the Rooster.
“White water rafting guides are all the time loopy and nice enjoyable!“
Craig commented after leaving Marty, an area plumber turned rafting information. He was plenty of enjoyable: vigorous, fast with a joke and a wry smile. His loud booming laughter echoed off the steep ravines and towering timber wrapped in vines amid dense undergrowth.
You’d need to be a little bit loopy to work with raging rivers day-after-day. Effectively, possibly it’s extra the loopy vacationers coming by way of every day that may ship you on the sting a bit.
A raft journey is all the time made that rather more particular by the man steering your boat safely by way of the hazard zones and generally amping it up with a fast flick right here and there.
I keep in mind one severe information we had rafting the Higher Gauley, in West Virginia. She needed no-nonsense and all of us copped a stern phrase once we fell about in hysterics when our pal went overboard, and we have been too weak to tug him again to security.
Come on, you want a little bit loopy on the rapids.
The entire expertise went easily and we felt very protected with our information. As we bounded over fast after fast, the fun of it was immense.
The 2 hours of white water rafting have been up earlier than we realised. It’s true what they are saying, time flies once you’re having enjoyable!
On the finish of the journey, Marty allow us to bounce out for the ultimate fast to physique surf it toes first. I twisted and turned, smashed into the jagged rocks, and desperately tried to cease myself from being sucked underneath by the man-eating rocks.
How on earth did I ever have the nerve to deal with the grade 5 Unhealthy Place rapids when this grade 2 was freaking me out? Man, I used to be hardcore again then. Motherhood has made me gentle.
What to Deliver White Water Rafting in Cairns
You have to to put on your swimming swimsuit as you do have to do a little bit of swimming. It’s additionally advisable to put on a unfastened t-shirt and lightweight shorts to make use of as a rash guard.
Put on reef sandals or safe footwear in your toes that strap on (not flip-flops, otherwise you’ll lose them). You possibly can all the time rent footwear in case you don’t have any.
You must also carry a towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag. Don’t put on any jewelry like necklaces as they’ll seemingly fall off.
All security tools and equipment resembling a helmet, paddles and life jacket will likely be given to you by your information.
You may additionally be requested to pay a levy on arrival, so carry money with you.
Issues to Know Earlier than White Water Rafting
That is no extraordinary tour, you’ll be able to’t simply rock up and be instructed what to do and away you do. Members of white water rafting normally need to signal a waiver of some sort, exempting the tour firm from any duty ought to there be an accident.
It’s best to inform your information of any medical circumstances you’ll have.
When you’re in search of a household rafting journey, you’ll be able to normally do that in case your kids are over the age of 12, however they’ll should be accompanied by a guardian over the age of 18 – so don’t take into consideration leaving them to it.
Most tour corporations supply pickup out of your lodge, so ensure you verify you’ve got given them the precise deal with, particularly in case you’re staying in Port Douglas.
FAQs About White Water Rafting in Cairns
Right here’s what folks normally ask us about white water rafting in Cairns.
What’s the greatest month to go white water rafting?
Spring is a good time to go white water rafting. In Australia, Spring runs from September till November.
What occurs in case you fall out white water rafting?
We get requested this so much, and the lengthy reply will likely be taught to you beforehand by your skilled information. The brief reply is to not panic and belief your PFD (private flotation system) to take you to the floor.
Can freshmen do white water rafting?
Sure, completely! All of us have to begin someplace, proper? The rapids in Cairns are fairly sturdy and we knew what to anticipate as we had carried out it earlier than, however newbie rafters ought to take heed to your information fastidiously and anticipate it to be a bumpy experience!
The place to Keep in Cairns
After a enjoyable day of journey within the area that enhances an adrenaline junkie expertise, we have been enjoyable for the night at Peppers Seashore Membership & Spa in Palm Cove, simply north of Cairns.
Peppers at Palm Cove was a tropical paradise, and we loved the ocean views with a 9-course degustation menu.
The German head chef got here out to elucidate every of the connoisseur dishes to us, all made out of contemporary native produce from the reef and rainforest. We sat underneath the towering melaleuca timber, the traditional and mystical air wrapped us in well being and well-being.
Far North Queensland was rapidly capturing up my checklist of Aussie favorites. It places you within the temper for enjoyable, good meals, and naturally an journey exercise.
We spent the morning gorging ourselves on banana chocolate smoothies, contemporary dukkha-crusted ocean fish, and candy potato fries with lemon aioli on the Paleo Cafe in Cairns, a vacation spot in its personal proper.
What else do you do after rolling your self out of a feast like that? Go white water rafting in fact! I hope you’ll be able to suit your life jackets on!
Extremely Really helpful Raft Excursions in Cairns
Ultimate Ideas on White Water Rafting in Cairns
So there you’ve got it, our expertise white water rafting in Cairns, and as you’ll be able to see, we had a implausible time out and would suggest it to anybody in search of journey in Cairns.
When you’re heading to North Queensland quickly, and need to go white water rafting in Cairns, take a look at Raging Thunder Adventures.
It’s a enjoyable day and makes a very good day journey from Cairns. Say hello to Marty for us!
Disclaimer: We travelled to Cairns as company of Tourism Queensland, however all of the ideas, concepts, and opinions on this information are our personal.
Extra Cairns Journey Ideas
Are you visiting Cairns for some time? Then these different assets would possibly aid you plan your journey…
Have you ever rafted on the Barron River earlier than in Cairns? The place’s your favorite place to go white water rafting? Tell us within the feedback!
Supply: Breaking Travel News
