Barron River White Water Rafting

A Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure of Moderate Difficulty

Travel time from Cairns: 20 minutes

Rapid Grades: 3

Flowing from some of the wettest areas in all of Australia within the Atherton Tablelands, the Barron River is a relatively short waterway that is prone to flooding and is surrounded on both sides by the lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. In white water rafting terms, the Barron serves as a great introductory course for those first-timers who don’t mind facing a little challenge, as its Grade 3 rapids provide a reasonable rush with little fear of danger.

Notable sections of rapids that can be found on the Barron River include Cheese Churn, Hell’s Gate and Rooster Tail – most of which sound far more intimidating than they actually are! Reachable within a short drive from Cairns city (approximately 20 minutes) and a reasonable distance from Port Douglas (around 40 minutes), the Barron River is a great all-purpose venue for white water rafting and there are multiple rafting tour operators who will cater to those looking to embark on a rafting adventure and transport you from your accommodation to the launching point of the river while providing all the necessary safety equipment for a stress-free day out on the water.