Tully River: Full-Day White Water Rafting & Rapids Adventure

Summary

Rainforest rapids, wild laughter & the pulse of Tully Gorge

You’ll crash through roaring rapids beneath ancient rainforest trees on this full-day Tully River adventure. Paddle alongside locals and travelers with expert guides leading every twist. Feel adrenaline on Grade 4/5 rapids, pause for lunch by the riverbank, and end your day soaked but smiling—maybe still hearing the rush of water in your ears.

What’s the experience like?

"Hold on tight—this one’s a big drop!" That’s what our guide, Sam, yelled just before the raft pitched forward and my stomach did that rollercoaster thing. We’d only been on the Tully River maybe twenty minutes and already I’d lost count of how many times I’d swallowed river spray. The air in Tully Gorge felt thick and green, like you could almost taste the rainforest itself—wet leaves, muddy earth, something sweet I couldn’t place. There were these massive boulders everywhere, slick with moss, and sometimes you’d catch sunlight flickering through the canopy in a way that made everything look kind of unreal.

We were six in our raft—me, two friends from Sydney (who kept shouting “wooo!” every time we hit a rapid), an Irish couple who had never done white water rafting before (they looked terrified at first but by lunch they were grinning), and Sam steering us through all forty-something rapids with this calm confidence. He knew every twist in the river—pointed out where world championship teams had flipped or pulled off some wild maneuver. At one point he handed me a chunk of granite from the riverbed; it was cold and rough in my palm. “That rock’s older than this forest,” he said. I still think about that.

The food break was honestly better than I expected—nothing fancy but after paddling for hours, even a sandwich tastes like magic. My arms were jelly by then anyway. The whole trip took most of the day but it didn’t feel long; time gets weird when you’re just focused on not falling out or trying to spot birds overhead (I’m pretty sure I saw a cockatoo but nobody else did). And yeah, my shoes are probably ruined forever from all that water—but worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Tully River rafting adventure

• Travel to Tully River Gorge
• Experience white water rafting on Grade 4/5 rapids
• Navigate over 40 rapids through rainforest surrounds
• Enjoy views of granite boulders and thick rainforest

Top questions

How difficult is white water rafting on the Tully River?

The Tully River is classified as Grade 4/5, so it’s challenging and best for people with good fitness levels.

Is hotel pickup included for the Tully River rafting tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included except if you’re staying in Tully town itself.

What should I bring for rafting on the Tully River?

You’ll need lace-up shoes (they’ll get wet), swimwear, towel, dry clothes for after, and waterproof sunscreen.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

Yes—a meal is included during your rafting day. Dietary needs can be accommodated if advised at booking.

What is the minimum age for Tully River rafting?

The minimum age is 13 years old; minors need a parent or guardian’s signature on waiver forms.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No—the tour isn’t suitable for anyone who may be pregnant.

How long does the full-day white water rafting take?

The experience takes most of the day including transfers and time on the river itself.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No prior experience is required but good physical fitness is important due to challenging rapids.

What’s included

Your full-day includes hotel pickup and drop off (except from central Tully), all white water rafting equipment except shoes, an experienced local guide steering each raft down over forty rapids through rainforest gorge scenery, plus a hearty meal along the river—just let them know any dietary needs when booking.