Rapids surging through lush forest turn a holiday into an adrenalin-fuelled adventure. White water rafting in Australia’s rivers offers raging torrents to get your heart-pumping, as well as gentle twists and turns for a relaxed ride. Whichever you choose, this is one journey into the heart of nature you’re never likely to forget.
Tully River Rafting – Queensland
Getting set for serious drops, on the Tully River
If you’re going to try rafting in Australia, you might as well start at the top, right? The mighty Tully River is a white water bucket-list destination for thrill-seekers. As a Class IV river, over 45 rapids ensure a fast-paced ride through World Heritage-listed rainforest – not that you’re likely to notice when you zoom towards your first drop.
The river slices through steep gorges of basaltic rock and ancient trees. During the few moments you manage to catch your breath, you could spot water dragons and colourful birds. However, the next thing you know, you’ll careen over rapids, named ‘Alarm Clock’, ‘Staircase Rapid’ and ‘Corkscrew’. Never fear though, rest is in sight at spots like ‘Ponytail Falls’, a popular lunch stop.
Raging Thunder Adventures offer full day Tully River Rafting all year round. Experienced river guides provide all the training you need, so don’t worry if you’re a novice. They’ll even pick you up from your hotel and, when you’re well and truly water-logged, there’s a packed picnic lunch to look forward to.
Where: Cairns and Mission Beach
Website: Raging Thunder Adventures
Cost: $209 from Cairns, $189 from Mission Beach
Franklin River Rafting – Tasmania
A wall of white awaits in Tasmania
Wild and remote, the Franklin River in Tasmania winds through the breathtaking scenery of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Though there are Class I rapids, most are Class III to IV, so you’ll want to ramp up your fitness levels before embarking on a trip, most of which cover 5 to 14 days, from November to April.
You’ll truly feel like an intrepid traveller, as you raft through deep gorges and isolated rainforest. This is a place full of ancient Aboriginal history, as well as the inspiration for one of the country’s largest conservation movements. Back to the rapids and you can only imagine what’s in store when you go white water rafting in Tasmania, with names like ‘Thunder Rush’, ‘Jaw Breaker’ and ‘Sidewinder’.
Tasmanian Expeditions offer a 9-day trip including transfers, all meals, professional guides and tuition, group camping equipment, waterproof storage for personal gear and safety essentials.
Where: Launceston
Website: Tasmanian Expeditions
Cost: $2895
Murray River – White Water Rafting in NSW
Rafting Australia’s action-packed adventures © Rafting Australia
If you’re already a white water rafting enthusiast, no doubt you’ve heard of The Murray Gates. This one’s for serious adrenalin-junkies, in the Alpine rainforests of the Snowy Mountains. The famous run offers Class IV rapids and you’ll navigate through narrow boulders, with side streams and waterfalls along the way.
As you discover rapids called ‘Sharks Tooth’, ‘Hole in the Head’, ‘Guides Mistake’ and ‘Himalayan Wrap’, get ready for tall drops and technical lines. Among the soaring cliffs and lush forest, you may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including platypus, kangaroos, birds and deer.
Rafting Australia offers 1 to 2 day adventures, for experienced paddlers. All your river equipment is included, plus professional guides, river transfers and lunch. The season runs from July to February and you can even request a tailor made itinerary for groups.
Where: Corryong, Vic and Tom Groggin, NSW
Website: Rafting Australia
Cost: 1 day $260, 2 day $450
Barron River – White Water Rafting in Cairns
An easy, but no less fun journey for beginners on the Barron River
Beginners and families rejoice, as the Barron River provides the chance to experience rafting, without the ‘extreme’ factor. Just a 20 minute drive from Cairns, the river flows through the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of the Atherton Tablelands and the Barron Gorge National Park.
Witness the 230-metre high Barron Falls, which hold cultural significance for Aboriginal people with traditional links to the area. Along the way, paddle by some of the world’s oldest rainforests, with the chance to see tree-kangaroos, colourful butterflies and maybe even the rare Cassowary.
Do a half day tour with Foaming Fury, combining calm water floating and a series of rapids along the way. With experienced guides, you’ll receive all the training and help you need. Tours also include return transfers.
Where: Cairns and Port Douglas
Website: Foaming Fury
Cost: $138
Mitta Mitta River – White Water Rafting in Victoria
A wild ride with Rafting Australia on the Mitta Mitta River © Rafting Australia
Steep ravines and rocky gorges in the Victorian High Country make the Mitta Mitta River the perfect obstacle course for rafters. The water levels constantly change from season to season, so each visit could be different from the last. Aboriginal heritage, towering gorges and crystal clear waters, are a given.
To add to the excitement of raging rapids, Australian flora and fauna puts on a majestic display. Expect to see cockatoos, wallabies, lyrebirds and perhaps even the mysterious platypus.
Rafting Australia offers varying trips to discover the Mitta Mitta. A one day adventure includes all equipment, guides, river transfers and lunch. Across 18 kilometres, you’ll traverse over 60 rapids and the season runs from June to December.
Where: Hinnomunjie, Omeo
Website: Rafting Australia
Cost: $220
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