• Fun for all the family on a half day white water rafting ride on the Barron River just outside Cairns. If your children are 6 years to 11 years they will simply love white water rafting. 
• Your white water rafting guides will make this the most fun day your family has had in a long time. We take you down Barron Gorge in 8 man rafts to ride the Grade 2 rapids as a first introduction to rafting for your children. 
• A fabulous half day full of excitement and enjoyment for the whole family, see the stunnning beauty of the Barron Gorge

White water rafting in Cairns is famous and now we have a white water rafting tour that is simply perfect for the whole families. Our Family Rafting Half Day Tour is a fantastic introduction to the skills and excitement of White Water Rafting.

What to Expect

This fun adrenaline packed half day tour in Cairns is designed for children aged 6 years and over; a great way to learn about white water rafting and gain confidence in the water.

Our family white water rafting tour operates on the lower section of the Barron River rapids and Lake Placid, in the Barron Gorge National Park not far from Cairns so you will also get to enjoy some pretty stunning landscapes in this pristine environment.

Operates various days through the year - Please ask our reservations teams.

Dive into an exhilarating half-day Family White Water Rafting Tour on the Barron River in Cairns. This experience is tailored for families, making it the perfect introduction to white water rafting for children aged six years and older. Paddle through the picturesque Barron Gorge National Park, surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest, as you navigate Grade 1–2 rapids.

This fun-filled activity takes place on the lower section of the Barron River and Lake Placid, providing a safe and enjoyable adventure for beginners. With expert guides, safety equipment, and stunning natural scenery, this is an unforgettable way to create memories with your family.

Features and Highlights

Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure

• Designed specifically for families with children as young as six years old.
• Combination of 8-person rafts and 2-person sports rafts ensures everyone is included.
• Children aged 10 and above can paddle independently, while younger kids pair with an adult for a shared experience.

Pristine Barron Gorge National Park

• Located just 20 minutes from Cairns city and 40 minutes from Port Douglas.
• Explore the spectacular Barron Gorge, carved by thousands of years of flowing water.
• Enjoy lush rainforest landscapes and pristine waterway views.

Exciting Rapids and Games

• Navigate Grade 1–2 rapids, perfect for beginners and families.
• Participate in water games, such as slippery slides and other fun activities, led by your guides.
• Build confidence on calm waters before tackling the rapids.

Experienced Guides and Safety

• Fully trained, certified rafting guides ensure safety and fun throughout the tour.
• High guide-to-passenger ratio for personalized attention.
• Includes a safety briefing and all necessary equipment.

Guaranteed Water Levels

• Daily water releases ensure consistent rafting conditions year-round.
• In case of power station unavailability, the tour still operates on Lake Placid.

Optional Adventures for Older Kids

• Families with children over 12 can combine this activity with traditional white water rafting for a tailored experience.

White Water Rafting Itinerary

1. Meet and Safety Briefing: Begin with a thorough safety briefing and equipment fitting.
2. Lake Placid Paddle: Warm up by paddling across calm Lake Placid before heading to the rapids.
3. Guided Walk: A brief walk along the riverbank takes you to the starting point of the rapid section.
4. Rafting and Games: Navigate Grade 1–2 rapids under the watchful guidance of rafting experts. Enjoy water games and family-friendly activities.
5. Return: Paddle back to Lake Placid and enjoy the serene rainforest setting.

Notes and Additional Information

• Minimum group size: 8 people to operate.
• Minimum age: 6 years old.
• Liability release forms must be signed before the tour begins.
• All participants should wear comfortable, secure water shoes and clothing suitable for rafting.
• The rapids depend on power station operation; otherwise, the tour focuses on Lake Placid.

Additional Options

• River Tubing: Perfect for children as young as five.
• Traditional White Water Rafting: Suitable for older kids aged 12 and above.

Create unforgettable family memories while enjoying the thrills and beauty of Cairns' Barron Gorge National Park. Book your Family White Water Rafting Tour today!

We also offer Cairns River Tubing Tour (minimum age 5) and Barron River White Water Rafting (minimum age 12).

See all family tours in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go.

White Water Rafting in Cairns for Families

You will spend approximately 2 hours on the water

Paddle across Lake Placid as we head upstream to join the rapid section. Part of the way a guide will walk you along the riverbank.

Fun and games: here our white water rafting guides will use the rafts to create games for the families to enjoy.

For any younger customers this is a great way to get their confidence up before we start rafting any rapids.

White Water Rapid Levels: we journey down the river over grade 1 and 2 rapids.

These rapids are perfect for the whole family.

Children (as young as 6) love this half day Cairns tour, this is also a great family activity everyone can enjoy.

If your family has young children and children over the age of 12 you can combine family rafting (for the younger children) and traditional white water rafting for the older kids - ask us how!

Family Rafting Is Fun In Cairns

Your half day adventure family rafting also includes games everyone will love.

The makeshift slippery slide, makes great photo opportunities.

Great days create great memories!

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cairns & Northern Beaches: 2.00pm to 5.30pm
• Port Douglas: 1.15pm to 6.30pm
• Self-Drive: 2.30pm to 5.00pm

Departure Instructions

• Please wait in an area out front of your accommodation where you are visible to the bus driver as they pull up.
• Pick up times are approximate times and the bus may be 5-10min late/early.
• The bus will wait 10 min after the pick-up time, if there is no contact from guests in this time the bus will depart without them.

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove
• Port Douglas

Destinations

• Cairns
• Barron Gorge National Park, Cairns

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

This tour only operates over selected peak holiday periods subject to demand. Please enquire with our reservations team.

Duration

From 2.5 to 5 hours with up to 2 hours of rafting

Available for Purchase / Hire

Shoe hire

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Additional Information

• This tour is not suitable for pregnant women
• Pay on board: Rafting Levy $30 per person
• This tour is weather dependent

Eco Certifications

• Bring your tour voucher and POB levy and transfers if applicable (payment cash or credit card)
• Wear swimming costume under your clothes
• Bring a large towel, change of clothes, water resistant sunscreen, money for souvenirs and snacks
• Bring money for shoe hire OR bring secure footwear – lace up shoes or reef sandals that will get wet (we realise that you are on holiday and might not want your shoes wet)
• Leave all jewellery and valuables at your accommodation

• Child price applies to children 6 to 11.
• A child MUST travel with at least one adult.