SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour

Nov 24

With two juddery steps backwards I was off the Stand Up Paddle Board and taking a swim in the cool rainforest waters of the Barron River.

Moments later I was back on the board trying to redeem myself as the Pro Paddler I had thought I was! Sunny, our tour guide for our SUP Cairns adventure, suggested I try a headstand next. Honestly, after my neat handstand into the water I thought anything was possible…..

**The Pro Paddlers taking time out for a Selfie**

Our SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour was a totally different experience to SUP boarding on the ocean. Here you have no rolling swell to consider and balance seems to be a breeze, except when you hit a rock which is my excuse for my inglorious departure from my standing position!

Unlike my previous SUP experience on the river (up near Port Douglas), we headed down river straight away BUT according to our seasoned guides – Sunny and Andy - it was all about the wind. Later it would act as our friend and silently push us back up the river, in an almost meditative state.

**Andy dominated by the large Fig Tree**

Ducking into a small tributary we checked out a towering Fig Tree which dominated the canopy above us. Further down we stopped by a bunch of Bottle Brushes flowering on the edge of the river and tasted the sweet nectar.

Andy tasting the nectar

Bottle Brushes in bloom

Our SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour followed a flowing river that roars and fills up four-fold during the wet season. Andy pointed out some of the debris from previous floods left high in the trees nearby.

**Andy, our guide, showing us how it’s done…**

Although the Barron River appeared quiet this time it still had its obstacles and we navigated down rocky rapids that put a slight ripple on the surface of the water. At some points, getting on our knees to paddle seemed a safer option.

SUP-Kuranda-Rainforest-Adventure @adventuremumma 5.jpg

Midway, a welcome snack of tropical fruits and banana bread came out and a dip in the refreshing river seemed well deserved. Floating back upstream it seemed we didn’t have to dip our paddle in much except to steer through the odd rapid.

**Tropical fruits, snacks & juice were on offer mid-way through the paddle.**

The quietness of the surrounds seemed to envelop you and made you feel like you were the only ones on the river system. For a totally sublime experience I totally recommend this SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour.

Good Things to Know:

Small groups are ensured – a maximum of 8-10 people.
Free transfers from Palm Cove and Smithfield. Transfer service from Cairns City $20/pp.
Includes paddle guide, board hire, afternoon snack and refreshments.
The tour takes 2+ hours.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim in the river.
BYO water, hat and sunscreen.
Bring swimwear and a towel.

This is the perfect tour for families as the little ones can sit up front on the paddleboards and the bigger ones won’t find it taxing at all.

Saltwater crocodiles don’t exist in the Barron River above Barron Falls (if you see the size of the falls you’ll understand why). The Freshwater variety is occasionally spotted but they grow to an average size of one metre and survive off frogs, fish and insects. Humans aren’t on their menus.

Are you keen to go on a SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour? Where have you been on a SUP adventure before?

We received a complimentary tour BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are my own.

If you would like more info on this SUP Cairns Rainforest Tour >> Rainforest Paddleboarding Adventure.