Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs

Latest update to operations due to COVID-19:

As of 17 December, all passengers travelling will be required to be fully vaccinated as per the QLD State Government Health Guidelines. Proof of vaccination for all passengers over 16 years of age must be provided at the time of check-in via the digital Vaccination Certificate or via the QLD Check-In App. If proof of vaccination is not provided, you will unable to participate in any of our tours as per QLD State Government Health Guidelines.

As per current QLD restrictions from 2nd January 2022, masks are mandatory in all indoor settings. This means passengers and guides are required to wear masks on all tours. Please bring your own mask. If you forget, we do have masks available, please see your guide.

Please read our full COVID-19 update here.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please review our Terms and Conditions here.

What days do you operate?

For the most up to date availability, please see the following links:

• Daintree Rainforest Day Tour: Check availability here.
• Outback Day Tour: Check availability here.
• Great Barrier Reef Day Tour: Check availability here.
• Multi-Day Tours: choose your tour here, then navigate to availability.

How many people do the Billy Tea Safaris tours cater for?

Our vehicles take 16 to 20 passengers only. We keep our numbers small to create a more personalised day tour experience. During this time, we have reduced numbers to adhere to any government guidelines and restrictions. Note that during busy periods we often have more than one vehicle touring in the Daintree, so you may see a couple of busses out and about!

Can I book a private charter with Billy Tea Safaris?

Yes! Private charters are available with personalised itineraries and price on application, enquire now!

What do I need to bring with me?

Hat, sunscreen, a camera with extra batteries & memory cards, water bottle, towel and swimming costume (if you plan to swim), insect repellent, extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or an ice-cream, raincoat in our rainy season or umbrella.

What do I wear?

As we are in a tropical environment, please wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes or sandals. In our winter months (July to August) you may wish to take a light coat/jacket. No thongs (flip flops) or high heels as there can be uneven ground at times.

What is included in the Billy Tea Safaris tours?

• Pick up and drop off (excludes Port Douglas for the Tablelands tour you will need to make your own way to pick up point and Port Douglas pick up on the Chillagoe Tour is at an additional cost)

• Accredited driver-guide for the day

• Travel in an air-conditions custom-built 4WD vehicle

• All National Park fees included

• Lunch and a light snack

Due to COVID-19, there may be some changes to your itinerary.

Itineraries are also subject to change, modification and some destinations may not be reached at the discretion of the Billy Tea Safaris guide on the day due to weather conditions, road conditions, possible road closures, and the safety of all passengers. If a portion of your tour is cancelled due to weather, this is not refundable. If Billy Tea Safaris cancels the whole day tour due to weather, a refund will be issued. Travel Insurance is not included.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Please advise of any special dietary requirements and please reconfirm with reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel. We will do our best to accommodate where we can. Please see below links to view our lunch menu on selected tours:

• Daintree Rainforest Tour lunch menu
• Great Barrier Reef Tour lunch menu

Is WiFi available?

No, due to the remoteness of the area we can not provide WiFi in our vehicles. This may also mean limited mobile reception throughout the day as well.

Where do you pick up from?

Billy Tea Safaris day tours include return transfers from Cairns, Palm Cove, Northern Beaches and Port Douglas.

Please note: there is an additional cost for Port Douglas Transfers for the Outback Tour. For the Daintree Rainforest Tour, Port Douglas return transfers are included.

If you are booking a Multi-Day Package with a Great Barrier Reef Day Tour, transfers can be arranged for an additional cost. Please add this at check-out.

Daintree Rainforest Tour Transfer Times:

• Southside Accommodation: pick up 6.50 am
• Cairns City (CBD) accommodation: pick up between 7.00 – 7.15am, returns 6.30pm
• Northern Beaches accommodation: pick up between 7.20 – 7.45am, returns 6pm
• Port Douglas accommodation: pick up 8.20am, returns approx 4.00 – 4.30pm

Outback Tour Tour Transfer Times:

• Southside accommodation: pick up 6.40am, return 6.30pm - 7pm
• Cairns City accommodation: pick up between 6.45am – 7am, return 6.30pm - 7pm
• Northern Beaches accommodation: International Coaches will pick you up approximately 6.45am and transfer you to Canopys Edge Bus Stop in Smithfield where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. This is included in your ticket. You will be returned to Canopys Edge Bus Stop in Smithfield approximately 6.30pm where you will be picked up by International Coaches for your return back to the Northern Beaches.
• Port Douglas accommodation: this is an additional cost of $82 per person (minimum of 2 people). International Coaches will pick you up between 6am - 6.15am and transfer you to the bottom of the Kuranda range where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. Returns between 7pm - 7.30pm.

Please note all times are approximate. Please ensure you are on time for your pick up! If you are not on time, you may miss your pick up which will incur 100% cancellation fee.

Is the tour wheelchair / disability-friendly?

Due to the remoteness, the ruggedness of the area, steps and uneven ground on the National Park Boardwalks and into Emmagen Creek, passengers must be able to take walking steps by themselves or with the aid of their own carer. Wheelchairs must be small compact collapsible chairs as space is limited. This must be checked at the time of reservation and confirmed at least 48 hours prior to the tour. Billy Tea Staff are unable to assist with any lifting or assistance due to insurance liability and not being the authorised carer.

What level of fitness is required?

The Daintree Rainforest Tour requires a beginners level of fitness. The boardwalk tour through the rainforest with your guide is at a very leisurely pace and is approximately a 1km round trip. If you prefer to wait for the group to return, there is a seating area at the entrance of this boardwalk for you to wait for the group to return.

For the Outback Tour, you will need to be reasonably fit as there are stairs, some uneven ground and will take an hour to walk through the cave system at a slow pace.

Please note that the 4WD busses will be travelling along uneven roads at times. If you have serious back problems, please speak with our reservations team to ensure you are placed towards the front of the vehicle to ensure you are comfortable.

I do not like confined spaces, will I be ok during the Chillagoe Caves Tour?

There are a few confined spaces you will need to go through during the cave tour. If you do not like really confined spaces, please notify the local guide.

Are your day tours suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome on our day tours.

Prams and strollers are not permitted into the Chillaoge Caves, so the children will need to be able to walk or you will need to carry them. The cave tour will take at least an hour and there are stairs and uneven ground. (Please note the Outback Tour is a 12 hour day so take this into consideration when taking children on this tour - booster seats provided).