Cairns Adventure Group Tully Temptation (Gumboot Self Drive)

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A full-day white-water rafting trip on the Tully River: drive yourself to the Golden Gumboot in Tully or take the return transfer from Mission Beach or Cairns, then tackle Grade 3–4 rapids through World Heritage rainforest, with a hearty meal afterwards.

Days

About 7.5 hours from Tully, or a full day with transfers

Age

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Tully, Mission Beach or Cairns / back to your start
Tully 8:15pm, Mission Beach 8:30pm, Cairns 9:30pm

Return

Tully 8:15pm, Mission Beach 8:30pm, Cairns 9:30pm

Transport

Self-drive to Tully, or return coach transfers from Mission Beach or Cairns

Meals

Hearty pub meal after rafting

Route

Map of Cairns Adventure Group Tully Temptation (Gumboot Self Drive)

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Included experiences

Tully River — up to 3 hours of white-water rafting
Tully River Gorge — Grade 3 and 4 rapids
River Guide safety briefing and paddling lesson
Pub meal with the guides and crew

Cairns Adventure Group Tully Temptation (Gumboot Self Drive)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MIDDAY: MEET IN TULLY

Your day starts at the Golden Gumboot in Tully, a 7.9-metre boot that marks the 7.9 metres of rain that fell on the town in 1950, its wettest year on record. Drive yourself there for the early-afternoon meeting, or choose the option with return transfers from Mission Beach or from Cairns, about 140 km north, which pick you up earlier in the day. From Tully the bus climbs inland to the top of the Tully River Gorge, where you're fitted with your rafting gear.

THE SAFETY TALK

Your river guide runs the safety briefing and teaches you the paddle strokes and calls before anyone gets wet. No experience is needed, but you do need to be a confident swimmer and follow instructions in English. The river runs at a reliable level all year because the rafting is timed to the daily water release from the 88-megawatt Kareeya Hydro power station upstream.

AFTERNOON: GRADE 3 AND 4 ON THE TULLY

Then it's up to three hours on the river inside Tully Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This is bigger water than most first-timers expect: grade 3 and 4 rapids, one after another, with short calm runs between. On those breathers, look up at the giant basalt columns and the waterfalls tumbling off the gorge walls into the rainforest. At the end you help carry the raft out.

EVENING: A PUB MEAL AND THE PHOTOS

Dry off and head to a country pub for a hearty meal with your guide and crew, where you can watch the photos of your trip and buy your favourites. Self-drivers are back at the Gumboot around 8:15pm. Transfer guests are dropped home later in the evening, Mission Beach first, then the long drive north to Cairns.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Golden Gumboot in Tully if you drive yourself; otherwise pick-up in Mission Beach or Cairns.
Departure time: Daily. Meet at approximately 12:55pm in Tully, with pick-up at approximately 11:45am from Mission Beach or 10am from Cairns.
Finishes: Back at approximately 8:15pm in Tully, 8:30pm in Mission Beach or 9:30pm in Cairns.
Minimum age: 13 years. Under 18s need a parent or guardian to sign the liability release form.
Fitness: No experience necessary, but you must be a competent swimmer and able to understand and follow River Guide instructions in English. Guides assess this at check-in; anyone who can't take part is not refunded.
Please note: Not suitable for anyone who is pregnant. All participants sign a liability release form and must disclose any medical condition before travelling; some conditions may exclude you.

What to bring

Money for the $35 river levy and extras such as photos or shoe hire
Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes
Secure footwear with a secure heel strap
Sun protection — hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Leave jewellery and valuables at your accommodation

What is included

Up to 3 hours of Tully River rafting
All training and equipment
Hearty country-style meal
Return transfers from Mission Beach or Cairns, with those options

Not included

Hotel transfers, if you drive yourself to Tully
River levy, $35 per person
Photo package (available to buy)
Shoe hire, $5 per person if required

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

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.

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 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.