Rainforest River Tubing from Cairns
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Rainforest River Tubing from Cairns

from A$99
4 hours 30 mins
Cairns
All Ages (5+)
Free Cancellation (48 hours prior)

Float the clear, freshwater Mulgrave River near Behana Gorge on a professional twin chamber tube, bobbing through small, fun rapids with rainforest on both banks. Return transfers from Cairns and the Northern Beaches, a full safety briefing and at least two river guides on the water make it an easy half day adventure for anyone aged 5 and up.

Quick read before you book.

  • Float through small, fun rapids on clear freshwater
  • Rainforest lined river near Behana Gorge
  • Gentle enough for first timers and families
  • Kids from age 5 get their own tube
  • Guides pick the best stretch of river for the day's conditions

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.9 Stars|415 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Pack shoes with a heel strap, insect repellent and dry clothes for the ride back to town.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Return coach transfers from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation
  • 1.5 to 2 hours of tubing on the Mulgrave or Little Mulgrave River
  • Professional twin chamber tube
  • All tuition and safety equipment
  • Safety and river etiquette briefing
  • At least two certified river guides on the water
  • Small snack

Commonly asked questions.

Return coach transfers run from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation, and your exact pickup time is confirmed when you book. New to town? Our guide to getting around Cairns without a car helps you get your bearings.

Tours run in most conditions. If river levels or the weather make it unsafe, the operator contacts you before departure to reschedule or offer an alternative.

Cancel more than 48 hours before your tour for a full refund, or 24 to 48 hours before for a 50% refund. Cancellations within 24 hours and no shows aren't refunded.

Yes, from age 5, and children aged 5 to 11 get their own tube. Kids 11 and under must be with a parent or guardian, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign their liability form.

No experience is needed, and the water isn't deep with a gentle current, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to follow your guides' instructions. You also need enough fitness to carry your tube and paddle a little.

No. Tubing isn't suitable for anyone who is or may be pregnant.

Wear swimmers under your clothes and bring a towel, a change of clothes, water resistant sunscreen, insect repellent and water. Shoes with a heel strap are compulsory, and you can hire a pair for $5. Our Australia packing list covers the rest of your trip.

A small snack is included. A $20 per person river levy applies, and if it isn't already included in your booking, you pay it on the day with your guides.

The tour is partially accessible. Only foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated, there are some stairs, and you need upper body strength and good vision to manage your tube, so talk to the operator about your needs when you book.

Yes. It's a half day of about 4.5 hours, so it pairs easily with another activity. Our guide to how many days to spend in Cairns helps you plan the rest of your stay.

More about this tour.

Rafting gets the headlines in Cairns, but tubing is the laid back way onto rainforest water. Instead of paddling hard as part of a crew, you settle into your own tube and let the Mulgrave River carry you, with small, fun rapids to keep things lively. The water isn't deep, the current isn't strong and the river flows year round, so it suits families, first timers and anyone who just wants to cool off somewhere green.Your coach collects you from Cairns City or selected Northern Beaches accommodation and heads south towards Behana Gorge. Your guides choose the stretch of the Mulgrave or Little Mulgrave River based on the water levels that day, then run a safety and river etiquette briefing before you carry your tube down to the water. From there you get 1.5 to 2 hours on the river, drifting under the rainforest canopy, paddling a little and bouncing through the rapids, with at least two guides on the water the whole time.A small snack is included, and the whole trip takes about 4.5 hours, so it slots in easily around a reef day or a trip up to Kuranda. Hooked on rainforest swims? The Waterfall Wanderers day tour comes from the same Cairns Adventure Group family and stops at Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls and Millaa Millaa Falls, and our guide to things to do in Cairns has plenty more ideas for your stay. Explore the details below, then check availability for your date.

Additional info.

Pickups run from Cairns City and selected Northern Beaches accommodation, and your exact pickup time is confirmed when you book. Allow about 4.5 hours from pickup to drop off, with 1.5 to 2 hours on the water.Wear your swimmers under your clothes and bring a towel, a change of clothes, water resistant sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and water. Footwear with a heel strap must be worn, such as sports sandals, reef shoes or old runners, and you can hire suitable shoes for $5 a pair. Leave jewellery and valuables at your accommodation. No alcohol is allowed on the tour.A $20 per person river levy applies. If it isn't included in your booking, you pay it on the day with your guides.The minimum age is 5, and children 11 and under must be with a parent or guardian. Every guest signs a liability release form before tubing, and guests under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign for them. Tubing isn't suitable during pregnancy, and you should tell the operator about any medical conditions when you book. The tour is partially accessible: only foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated, there are some stairs, and you will need upper body strength to manage your tube.