Located in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Tully Gorge National Park is one of the natural attractions to explore when visiting Mission Beach. Known for its tropical rainforest, mountain scenery and the Tully River, the park offers opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife spotting, rainforest walks and white-water rafting. Situated west of Tully, the national park is an easy day trip from Mission Beach and a popular destination for visitors wanting to experience Tropical North Queensland's rainforest landscapes.

Explore Tully Gorge Near Mission Beach

Tully Gorge National Park is home to ancient tropical rainforest, freshwater creeks, steep mountain ranges and a variety of native wildlife. The Tully River flows through the heart of the park, winding between rainforest-covered mountains and large granite boulders. Over millions of years, the river has carved through the landscape, creating the deep gorge visitors can explore today. The park forms part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, recognised for its biodiversity and ecological importance. Visitors can explore the area by car, enjoy short rainforest walks, stop at scenic picnic areas or experience the river on a guided rafting adventure.

Things to Do at Tully Gorge National Park

Tully River White-Water Rafting

One of the most popular activities in the area is white-water rafting on the Tully River. Known as one of Australia's leading rafting destinations, the Tully River features Grade 3 and 4 rapids, large granite boulders and sections of calmer water surrounded by tropical rainforest. Guided rafting tours take visitors through the gorge, navigating rapids while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest. Tours include experienced rafting guides, safety equipment and instruction, making this a popular adventure for visitors looking to experience the Tully River.

Rainforest Walks and Wildlife

The Butterfly Walk, located near the Tully Gorge camping area, is a short 375-metre return walk that takes approximately 15 minutes. Visitors can look for colourful butterflies, including the blue Ulysses butterfly, along with rainforest birds such as Macleay's honeyeaters and Pacific bazas. Eastern water dragons may also be spotted resting on branches beside creeks and waterways.

Alligators Nest Swimming Hole

Located approximately 6 kilometres north of Tully, Alligators Nest is a popular freshwater swimming and picnic area surrounded by tropical rainforest. The day-use area features grassy picnic spaces, a swimming platform, toilets and barbecue facilities. It's a convenient stop for visitors exploring the Tully region and provides an opportunity to relax beside a rainforest creek. Despite its unusual name, Alligators Nest was named after a local scout group rather than crocodiles. Always check current conditions and local safety advice before entering the water.

Camping and Picnicking

The Tully Gorge camping and day-use area is located beside the Tully River, surrounded by rainforest and mountain scenery. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, explore nearby walking tracks or camp overnight. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables and cold showers. Camping permits are required and must be booked in advance. Swimming in the Tully River near the gorge is not recommended due to crocodile risks and sudden changes in water levels caused by hydro-electric water releases.

Aboriginal Culture and History

Tully Gorge National Park is culturally significant to its Traditional Owners, the Jirrbal and Gulngay peoples. The Jirrbal people have traditional connections to the western sections of the park, while the Gulngay people are connected to the eastern sections. Their ongoing connection to Country, cultural knowledge and traditions are an important part of the region's heritage.

Tully River Hydro-Electric Power Stations

The Tully River has played an important role in North Queensland's electricity supply since the 1950s. Koombooloomba Dam was constructed to store water for hydro-electric power generation, followed by the development of the Koombooloomba and Kareeya power stations. Water released from the dam flows through the hydro-electric system, generating electricity before continuing downstream. These water releases also help support commercial white-water rafting on the Tully River, making the hydro-electric system an important part of the region's adventure tourism industry.

Getting to Tully Gorge from Mission Beach

Tully Gorge National Park is accessible by car from Mission Beach via Tully. Travel south towards Tully before following Tully Gorge Road west towards the national park. The main Tully Gorge camping and day-use area is approximately 41 kilometres from Tully, with the drive passing through rural landscapes and tropical rainforest. Allow approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes from Mission Beach, depending on your starting point and road conditions. The park has two separate sections, the Tully section and the Tablelands section, which have different access routes. Visitors should check Queensland Parks alerts and road conditions before travelling, particularly during the wet season.