Rainforest River Tubing Adventure from Cairns
Overview
This river tubing adventure floats you down the Mulgrave River through World Heritage rainforest south of Cairns, on an inflatable tube with gentle rapids and calm pools. Professional guides teach you the basics and stay with the group, and up to 90 minutes are spent on the water with all safety equipment and training provided. Both options include hotel pickup and drop-off, with a morning tour from Cairns or the Northern Beaches and an afternoon tour from Cairns only. It is a fun, active half day for families and friends.
Highlights
- Up to 90 minutes of river tubing on the Mulgrave River
- Gentle rapids and calm pools through World Heritage rainforest
- Professional guides who teach the basics and travel with the group
- All safety equipment and training included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns, plus the Northern Beaches on the morning tour
- Choice of a morning or afternoon departure
Full Description
The Mulgrave River and the rainforest
The Mulgrave River runs through the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area south of Cairns, with dense rainforest on both banks and clear, cool water fed by the mountains. It is a beautiful setting for a river tubing tour, with tall trees, tree ferns and birdsong all around you.
Because tubing keeps you low on the water, you feel part of the forest rather than just passing through it. Butterflies, birds and sometimes turtles or fish can be seen from the tube, and the guides share stories about the local area.
What river tubing involves
River tubing means floating down the river on a large inflatable tube, usually with your friends or family in a line. You paddle with your hands, steer around rocks and enjoy gentle rapids alternating with calm pools where you can drift and look around.
It is much more relaxed than white-water rafting, but still lively enough to be fun. You need to be comfortable in water and wear a life jacket and helmet, which are provided. Up to 90 minutes are spent on the river, and the whole activity takes around five hours including transport.
Guides, safety and what to wear
Experienced river guides give a full briefing before you start, teaching you how to sit in the tube, how to handle the rapids and what to do if you fall out. They travel with the group and keep an eye on everyone, which makes this a good choice for nervous first-timers.
Wear swimwear and take a towel and change of clothes. Shoes with a secure strap are a sensible idea for entering the river, and shoe hire and sunglass straps are available if you need them. A river levy is payable on the day and is not included in the price.
Morning or afternoon pickup
The morning tour departs early from Cairns and the Northern Beaches, which is a good choice if you want to finish the day early and keep the afternoon free. The afternoon tour collects guests from Cairns only and leaves in the early afternoon.
Both include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you do not have to arrange transport or worry about finding the river. Check the pickup areas carefully at booking, and remember that morning starts can be cooler while afternoon tours are often warmer on the water, so bring a light layer for the drive.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupYou are collected from your accommodation in Cairns or, on the morning tour, the Northern Beaches.
- Drive to the Mulgrave RiverTravel south through the countryside towards the rainforest.
- Briefing and equipmentThe guides teach the basics, and you are fitted with a helmet and life jacket.
- River tubingFloat for up to 90 minutes through gentle rapids and calm pools.
- Return to CairnsBe dropped back at your accommodation after about five hours in total.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns and the Northern Beaches
- River tubing tuition from professional guides
- Up to 90 minutes of river tubing
- All safety equipment and training
Not included
- River levy, payable on the day
- Shoe hire (if required)
- Sunglass strap hire (if required)
Not suitable for
- Guests who cannot swim or who are afraid of water
- Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility
- Guests with back problems, heart conditions or other medical concerns
- Pregnant women
Meeting point
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The morning tour picks up in Cairns and the Northern Beaches, and the afternoon tour picks up in Cairns only. The exact pickup time is shown in your voucher.
Important information
- Wear swimwear and bring a towel and a change of clothes
- Shoes with a secure strap are recommended, and shoe hire is extra
- A river levy is payable on the day and is not included
- Leave valuables at your accommodation
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent
- Tell the guides about any medical condition before you start
- Water levels can change the trip, and we will help you rebook if it is cancelled
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the river tubing tour cost?
The price depends on the option and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, both options include hotel pickup and drop-off. The morning tour covers Cairns and the Northern Beaches and the afternoon tour covers Cairns only.
How long is the river tubing trip?
The tour takes about five hours in total, with up to 90 minutes of tubing on the river.
Is river tubing safe?
Yes, guides give a full briefing, provide helmets and life jackets and travel with the group. The rapids are gentle.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You need to be comfortable in the water. Life jackets are provided, but non-swimmers should not take part.
What is the difference between the morning and afternoon tours?
They cover the same river and activity. The morning tour also collects from the Northern Beaches, while the afternoon tour is Cairns only.
What is the river levy?
It is a fee payable on the day and is not included in the tour price. Bring some money for it.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear, bring a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent, and leave valuables behind.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It suits confident children who can swim. Child prices are shown in the booking panel, and our team can confirm the minimum age.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, subject to availability. The booking panel shows the next available dates and departures.
