Cairns Adventure Group Tube & Turbo (Rainforest River Tubing & Cairns Jetboat)

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A slow morning and a fast afternoon: float the Mulgrave River rainforest on your own tube with two river guides, then spin and slide around Trinity Inlet on a 35-minute jet boat ride. Gentle enough for kids, with the tubing open from age 5.

Days

One day: morning tubing, afternoon jet boat

Age

5 years and over; 110 cm for the jet boat

Group size

Guided group, 2+ river guides

Start / finish

Cairns / Mulgrave River / Cairns, then Marlin Marina / Trinity Inlet / Marlin Marina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Coach transfer for tubing; jet boat from Marlin Marina

Meals

A small snack on the tubing trip

Route

Map of Cairns Adventure Group Tube & Turbo (Rainforest River Tubing & Cairns Jetboat)

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Included experiences

Mulgrave River — float about 1.5 to 2 hours through rainforest on a tube
Gentle rapids — paddle your tube through easy white water
Trinity Inlet — 35-minute jet boat ride with spins and slides
Cairns waterfront — mangroves and harbour views from the jet boat

Cairns Adventure Group Tube & Turbo (Rainforest River Tubing & Cairns Jetboat)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: INTO THE RAINFOREST

The coach collects you early from Cairns City or selected Northern Beaches accommodation for the drive south to the rainforest. On the day your guides choose between the Mulgrave River and the Little Mulgrave River, whichever has the better water level. Both run down from the ranges below Bellenden Ker and Bartle Frere, at 1,622 metres Queensland's highest mountain, through country that gets some of the heaviest rain in Australia. That rain keeps the rivers clear, cool and moving.

MORNING: FLOATING THE RIVER

After a safety briefing you settle into your own twin-chamber tube and push off. For about 1.5 to 2 hours you float downstream, steering with your arms through gentle rapids and long slow pools, with rainforest closing over the water. Look for azure kingfishers darting low along the banks and Ulysses butterflies flashing blue in the sunny gaps. At least two river guides, trained in river rescue and first aid, are on the water the whole time, and a small snack is included. Children from 5 can float on their own tube.

AFTERNOON: JET BOAT ON TRINITY INLET

Back in Cairns about 4 to 5 hours after pick-up, make your own way to Marlin Marina on the waterfront and check in 15 minutes before your jet boat ride. Then the pace changes completely. On Trinity Inlet, named from Trinity Bay, which James Cook named on Trinity Sunday in June 1770, the captain throws the boat through high-speed runs, slides, power stops and 360-degree spins, past the mangroves, the city waterfront and the navy boats. After 35 minutes you're back at the marina, soaked.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Tubing: pick-up from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation. Jet boat: Marlin Marina, Cairns, 15 minutes before your ride (make your own way).
Departure time: Tubing pick-up early morning; jet boat in the afternoon. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 5 years for tubing, with children on their own tube, and at least 110 cm tall for the jet boat. Under 18s travel with an adult, and a parent or guardian signs their release form.
Fitness: Low to moderate. You carry your tube and paddle with your arms, and on the jet boat you brace through the spins. No previous experience needed; be comfortable in water and able to follow the guides' instructions in English.
Please note: Not suitable for pregnant guests. No alcohol on either trip. Dry clothes, wallets and medication can be left on the bus during tubing.

What to bring

Swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel and a change of clothes for both activities
Water shoes or sandals with a secure heel strap for tubing
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Water bottle
Cash for the $20 river levy
Leave jewellery and valuables at your accommodation

What is included

Half-day rainforest river tubing with safety briefing, twin-chamber tube and equipment
At least two river guides on the water
A small snack on the tubing trip
Tubing transfers from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation, if selected when you book
35-minute Cairns jet boat ride with safety briefing and life jacket

Not included

River levy for tubing — $20 per person, paid on the day
Shoe hire for tubing — $5 per person, if needed
Transfers to the jet boat at Marlin Marina
Jet boat photo and video package

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.