TNQ Writer
From mild to wild, there’s endless opportunities for rainforest adventures in Tropical North Queensland.
Let’s play a game: You’ve found yourself in Tropical North Queensland’s World Heritage-listed rainforest, what do you do?
This natural playground is a ‘choose your own adventure’ mecca, where the flick of a paddle or tug of a bungy cord will turn up the thrill levels. Whether you prefer your adventure mild or wild, there’s an experience to match, immersing you in the beauty of this living, breathing wonder.
Make like George of the Jungle with these rainforest adventures in Tropical North Queensland:
Get an adrenaline rush on the rapids
Raft on the mighty Tully River with Raging Thunder
Raft on the mighty Tully River with Raging Thunder
Foaming Fury white water rafting on the Barron River
Foaming Fury white water rafting on the Barron River
Ride the rapids of the Barron River with Cairns Adventure Group
Ride the rapids of the Barron River with Cairns Adventure Group
If there’s one thing Cairns Adventure Group knows, it’s adventure. Suit up for one of their half or full-day white-water rafting trips and brace yourself for impact.
The Barron River offers some of the country’s most exhilarating rafting as you bounce and flow your way from the mountains to the sea. There are even options for kids aged 6-11.
Or if you fancy tackling the mighty Tully River, Raging Thunder offer a full day eco adventure with awesome 3 and 4 grade rapids.
Jump off Australia’s only bungy tower
Get the thrill of a lifetime at Skypark Cairns
Get the thrill of a lifetime at Skypark Cairns
Enjoy sky-high views and walk the plank
Enjoy sky-high views and walk the plank
Bungy not your thing? Try the Giant Swing
Bungy not your thing? Try the Giant Swing
Go straight to the top with Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, and make like its namesake thrill-seeker by plunging 50 metres into the lagoon below. You can jump one of 16 ways – forwards, backwards, straddling a BMX – or opt for something a little bit milder and enjoy sky high views on Walk the Plank.
Located 20 minutes from the city, civilisation will seem a distant land when you’re looking out from the canopy at Cairns’ highest viewing platform. Keep things mild by only climbing up for the view, or wild by strapping in for speeds of up to 120km/hr on the Giant Swing.
You can put the thrills on the back-burner and simply stop by for lunch with a view or drinks on their new deck, while you watch people take the leap. Plus, with their complimentary shuttle service, there’s no need for a designated driver!
Paddle your way across town
Paddle through paradise with Babinda Kayaking
Paddle through paradise with Babinda Kayaking
Glide along crystal-clear creeks
Glide along crystal-clear creeks
You can even bring your pooch along!
You can even bring your pooch along!
If you’d rather relax than rush, set your own pace and glide along the crystal clear creek of one of Australia’s wettest towns, Babinda with Babinda Kayaking.
Hire a kayak or stand-up paddle-board and wind your way between Queensland’s two highest mountains alongside fish, turtles, and the occasional platypus. Head into town and check out the Babinda Museum for a dose of history, before having a much deserved picnic with treats from the Babinda Bakery.
Create a cultural connection to the land
Explore the rainforest & learn about the Kuku Yalanji people
Explore the rainforest & learn about the Kuku Yalanji people
See traditional Indigenous demonstrations
See traditional Indigenous demonstrations
Explore Kuku Yalanji country with Walkabout Cultural Adventures
Explore Kuku Yalanji country with Walkabout Cultural Adventures
Explore Kuku Yalanji country with Aboriginal-owned Walkabout Cultural Adventures, who share their heritage with up to 11 guests on personalised tours.
You’ll receive a well-rounded education in Aboriginal culture as you try your hand at spear and boomerang throwing; feel the Daintree rainforest come to life through stories, bush food and medicines; and visit Mossman Gorge.
Float in the fresh water
Say hello to adventure with Cairns Canyoning
Say hello to adventure with Cairns Canyoning
Take the plunge down stunning waterfalls
Take the plunge down stunning waterfalls
Test your limits
Test your limits
If Indiana Jones is your fictional spirit animal, Cairns Canyoning is your chance to channel your inner explorer with an expedition to the depths of the tropics.
Abseil down slippery cliffs, zipline across cascades, riverboard down rapids, jump from rocks, and swim under waterfalls in just a half or full day in the rainforest. With options to suit all thrill-seekers, prepare to get drenched as you learn firsthand why it’s called the Wet Tropics.
Keen for more adventure?
Hike Queensland's highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere
Hike Queensland's highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere
Zille Falls on the Atherton Tablelands
Zille Falls on the Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland has hundreds of kms of mountain biking trails
Tropical North Queensland has hundreds of kms of mountain biking trails
Swap chill for thrill with these experiences:
- Hike your way to the heights of the rainforest
- Follow biking trails that criss-cross hundreds of kilometres across the Cairns region
- Chase waterfalls across the Wet Tropics
- Embark on a guided bush walk with Back Country Bliss Adventures
