The Tully River offers the best white-water rafting in Queensland, with grade three and four rapids running through a gorge carved into the rainforest hills above the town. The standard day trip covers about 44 km of river and takes a full day including transport from Cairns or Mission Beach. The section includes around 40 named rapids — the most famous being Theatre, Alarm Clock, and Double D — with calmer stretches in between for swimming and recovering.
Most day trips operate from Cairns (about 1.5 hours' drive south) and include transport, equipment, lunch, and experienced guides. The river runs year-round because Tully's record rainfall keeps the water levels consistent. Several operators work the route; the experience and safety standards are generally high. You don't need experience — guides will brief you thoroughly before launch.