Cairns Adventure Group Daintree Flow (Tully River Rafting & Daintree Rainforest Tour)

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Two big days out of Cairns: grade 3 and 4 white water through Tully Gorge on the river that hosted the 2019 World Rafting Championships, then a guided day in the Daintree with Mossman Gorge, a crocodile cruise and the beach at Cape Tribulation. No rafting experience needed, and a meal is included each day.

Days

2 days (two day tours)

Age

13 years and over

Group size

Shared coach and raft tours

Start / finish

Cairns / Tully River / Cairns, then Cairns / Daintree / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Not included — nights at your own Cairns accommodation

Transport

Return coach transfers from Cairns both days

Meals

Pub-style meal after rafting; lunch on the Daintree day

Route

Map of Cairns Adventure Group Daintree Flow (Tully River Rafting & Daintree Rainforest Tour)

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Included experiences

Tully River — 2.5 to 3 hours of grade 3 and 4 rapids
Tully Gorge — paddle through World Heritage rainforest
Mossman Gorge — Welcome to Country, smoke ceremony and a river swim
Daintree River — wildlife cruise looking for crocodiles
Cape Tribulation — beach where the rainforest meets the reef

Cairns Adventure Group Daintree Flow (Tully River Rafting & Daintree Rainforest Tour)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: CAIRNS SOUTH TO TULLY GORGE

The coach collects you early in Cairns for the run south to Tully, the town that calls itself Australia's wettest; its Golden Gumboot stands 7.9 metres tall, the height of the record rain of 1950. That rain is why the Tully River runs so strong. The rafting starts in Tully Gorge National Park, inside the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and the day is timed around water released from the Kareeya hydro station upstream. At the river your guides run a full safety briefing and training, then fit your helmet and life jacket. No rafting experience is needed, only a willingness to paddle hard when the guide calls it.

DAY 1: THE RAPIDS AND BACK TO CAIRNS

For two and a half to three hours you paddle grade 3 and 4 white water between walls of rainforest, the same river that hosted the World Rafting Championships in 2019. Rapids come one after another, broken by calm pools where you can float and look up at the gorge. Look out for Ulysses butterflies, an electric blue against the green, which are common along the river. At the end everyone helps carry the raft out, then it's back on the bus for a meal at a country-style pub or similar before the drive north. Allow 10 to 12 hours door to door.

DAY 2: CAIRNS TO MOSSMAN GORGE AND THE DAINTREE RIVER

A fresh start from about 7am, heading north on the coast road between Cairns and Port Douglas, where the highway hugs the beaches and there are lookout stops along the way. At Mossman Gorge, Kuku Yalanji people welcome you to Country with a smoke ceremony; their families have lived in this rainforest for many thousands of years. There is time to swim among the granite boulders of the Mossman River. Then comes a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River, home to saltwater crocodiles, and a guided boardwalk walk through the Daintree Rainforest, often called the world's oldest tropical rainforest at around 180 million years. Lunch is included.

DAY 2: CAPE TRIBULATION AND HOME

The road ends its run north at Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, two World Heritage areas, meet at the same beach. James Cook named the cape in June 1770, just before his ship Endeavour ran onto the reef offshore, because, as he wrote, here began all his troubles. Walk the sand and look along a coast where the forest grows down to the high-tide line. If there is time, the coach stops at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, which makes its ice cream from fruit grown on the farm (your own cost). You're back in Cairns in the late afternoon or early evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Cairns accommodation for both tours, if selected when you book.
Departure time: Early morning both days; exact times are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back in Cairns each evening. Allow 10 to 12 hours on the rafting day and up to 12 hours on the Daintree day.
Minimum age: 13 years, for the rafting. Under 18s must travel with a responsible adult, and a parent or guardian signs their release form at pick-up.
Fitness: Rafting needs moderate to high fitness and some upper-body strength: you paddle for up to 3 hours and help carry the raft. You must be a competent swimmer and able to follow the guide's instructions in English. The Daintree day is easy, with about 4 km of walking.
Accommodation note: Two day tours only; you sleep at your own Cairns accommodation.
Please note: Rafting is not suitable for anyone who is or may be pregnant, and nobody under the influence of alcohol or drugs can raft. Leave jewellery and valuables at your accommodation. October to December is March fly season on the Tully, so wear strong repellent and bright clothing.

What to bring

Rafting: swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel and dry clothes
Rafting: secure shoes with a heel strap, such as sports sandals or old runners
Rafting: sunscreen, strong insect repellent, a hat and water
Rafting: a long-sleeved rash top or thermal in the cooler months
Rafting: cash for the $35 river levy
Daintree: swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and camera
Daintree: money for extra snacks

What is included

Tully River white-water rafting with a river guide, safety equipment and training
Meal after rafting at a local country-style pub or similar
Full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour with a guide
Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony at Mossman Gorge
Daintree River wildlife cruise
Lunch on the Daintree day
Return transfers from Cairns for both tours, if selected when you book

Not included

Tully River levy — $35 per person, paid on the day
Shoe hire for rafting ($5 a pair, if needed)
Rafting action photos
Accommodation
Extra drinks and snacks, and Daintree ice cream

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.