Hot Air Ballooning & Barron River Rafting

Starting from: $AU600.00

Tour Overview

  • Type: 30 min Balloon Flight + Half Day Barron Rafting
  • Package can be completed in 1 day (optional to be done in 2 days if needed)
  • Tours are not connected - break between tours
  • Departure location: Cairns, Northern Beaches
  • Suitable for couples s & families
  • Tour duration: Ballooning: 4:30am – 10:30am
  • Tour duration: Rafting: 2pm – 5:30pm
  • Grade of river rapids: 2 & 3
  • Rafting duration: 2 hours
  • Passengers numbers: 20 passengers per balloon basket & 6 passengers per raft
  • Min Age: 13 years old
  • No experience necessary
  • Tea & Coffee included in the afternoon
  • Clients save $22.00 per person

Video

Hot Air Ballooning & Barron River Rafting Package

Activity 1: Ballooning:

Atherton Tablelands near Cairns has the perfect climate for hot air balloon rides offering spectacular scenery and it is an unforgettable experience to anyone going on a ride for the first time.

Have a great morning start!!! Rise up and fly over the scenic Atherton Tablelands with its rainforest fringed mountains and tranquil country landscapes. The balloon gently floats above the tips of blue gums and paper bark trees, with the wide open spaces of the Tablelands below. The fantastic 360 degree views will make these memories last a lifetime .

All the pilots are very experienced and trained to Australia's highest standards, so there is no need to worry. Enjoy the freedom while the pilot makes sure the ride is as gentle as possible. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and some of Australia's local wildlife. Binoculars are ok on board to capture sightings of local birdlife. Come back to earth then continue the fun by helping the guides pack up.

Activity 2: Barron Rafting:

This has to be the most exciting and fun way to discover the pristine rainforest!!! Enjoy rafting the Barron River for 2 hours through grade rapids 2 & 3.

The Barron river has the advantage of departures all year round, tropical water temperatures and breath-taking scenery and rapids.

The Barron river is located only 20 minutes away from Cairns CBD so no travelling is required. This half day activity is perfect for someone who wants to experience rafting but has limited time in Cairns.

Each raft is controlled by a highly trained river guide who teaches passengers the correct rafting techniques and help them during the tour so experience is not necessary. Also the guides share with clients the history and wonders of the magnificent landscape around them.

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Tourism Cairns works with family and group discounts. Please email us for a quote.

What's included in the main price

  • Activity 1: Ballooning:
  • Return coach transfer from Cairns accommodation
  • 30 minute scenic balloon flight
  • Cross country balloon chase aboard coach
  • Activity 2: Barron Rafting:
  • Return coach transfer from Cairns accommodation
  • 2 hours of fully guided white water rafting
  • All tuition provided, no experience necessary
  • Tea and coffee Included
  • Activity 1: Ballooning:
  • Photos available for purchase
  • Activity 2: Barron Rafting:
  • Photos available for purchase
  • Purchase of snacks
  • Sandals & wetsuit available for rent
  • Activity 1: Ballooning:
  • Comfortable clothes (preference of dark clothes)
  • Confortable flat shoes
  • Jacket and long pants during winter
  • Bottle of water and snacks recommended
  • Activity 2: Barron Rafting:
  • Lace-up shoes or sandals
  • Swimming costume
  • Hat, towel & sunscreen
  • Change of warm dry clothes

Tour Itinerary

Time Description
Activity 1: Ballooning:
3:50 – 4:15 Pick up from Cairns & Northern Beach accommodation
4:15 Journey to Atherton Tablelands starts
Travel time is approx. 1 hour
4:45 Self Drivers to meet at the Mareeba Museum
5:15 Bus arrives at take off locations and balloons get ready to fly
06:00 First balloon flight takes off /Other passengers to do a balloon chase
06:45 Second balloon flight takes off/ Other passengers to do a balloon chase
07:30 Balloon flights and chase are completed
A group photo is taken and passengers can help the guides to fold and pack the balloons
08:00 Passengers return to the Mareeba Museum where they can have a look at the photos of the day
09:00 Bus departs Mareeba to return to Cairns
10:15 – 10:30 Hotel drop off at Cairns & Northern Beaches
Activity 2: Barron Rafting:
13:30 Pick up from Cairns & Northern Beach accommodation
14:15 Arrive at Lake Placid for safety demonstration
14:30 Commence rafting
Enjoy around 2 hours of rafting
16:30 Arrive at finish point and help the guides to pack the rafting equipment
16:45 Drive back to Lake Placid
Tea & coffee are served and clients have a look at the photos of the day
17:30 Bus departs Lake Placid
17:45 – 18:00 Hotel dop off at Cairns & Northern Beaches

Please Note:
Age Limit:The age limit to complete this package is 13 yrs old.
Important Information: Rafting and Ballooning are not suitable for anyone who is pregnant.
For your safety you will not be permitted to raft if we detect you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, no refund will apply.
If you have a medical condition and/or you are unsure that you are physically able to participate in the activity, we recommend that you consult with a medical practitioner prior to booking.
If your Ballooning flight cancels due to poor weather, you are entitled to a full refund.
You must be able to climb in and out of the basket unaided as this is a CASA safety regulation.

Tour Prices

Rates & Tariffs

Season: 2023 - 2024 Rates Dates: 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024 Action
Package Price Week day (SAVE $60) $600.00 per adult
$600.00 per child
Package Price Weekend $640.00 per adult
$640.00 per child

Age: Adult age: 13 yrs +
Levies: The $25.00 Barron Rafting levy and $30.00 Ballooning levy are both INCLUDED in all our prices.[

Booking fees: Tourism Cairns do not charge any booking fees.

Deposit and final payment: At Tourism Cairns clients are required to pay a deposit only at the time of booking. Final payment is to be completed 48 hours prior to departure or on the day of travel, depending on each tour operator's policy.

Cancellation by the traveller: If the tour is cancelled by the client up to 7 days prior to departure, a full refund is applicable. If the tour is cancelled by the client 7 days prior to departure, the deposit amount might be retained. If the tour is cancelled by the client 48 hours prior to departure, 100% cancellation fee may apply.

Booking amendments: If the date of a tour needs to be changed, Tourism Cairns must be notified in writing by the client up to 48 hours prior to the tour date.

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