Billy Tea Safaris
About the Rainforest Explorer 2-day Tour:
Start your journey on a twilight tour of the Cairns Aquarium with a wildlife educator to discover rare and hardly-seen nocturnal wildlife that inhabits the region’s rivers, rainforest, mangroves, reefs and the Coral Sea. Once you have seen and learnt about these fascinating North Queensland rainforest creatures, you’ll know exactly what to look out for on your Rainforest Safari and Daintree River Cruise.
Day 1
Begin your Rainforest experience with an exclusive, after-hours twilight tour at the Cairns Aquarium, followed by a 3-course dinner in our aquatic-themed restaurant.
Guided by a wildlife educator, you’ll get a unique insight into the behavioural changes and nocturnal habits of rainforest wildlife, as these elusive animals emerge from their daytime lairs.
With dimmed lights, this tour will teach you how the rainforest animals adapt their behaviours from day to night and give you a chance to see wildlife that is rare, endangered or extinct in the wild.
The ideal pre-rainforest learning experience, you’ll be able to see and interact with amphibians’ reptiles, freshwater fish and other aquatic forest-dwelling animals, and also come face to face with some of the region’s most deadly and dangerous inhabitants.
Day 2
Spot the rainforest creatures you saw at the Cairns Aquarium on a full-day safari tour with a naturalist guide, and explore the remarkable and majestic Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Departing from your accommodation, you’ll be driven north along the scenic route, where lush farmland contrasts with the brilliant seascape. Enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea, and search for the famous Southern Cassowary.
Morning tea, an informative Daintree River cruise, and a delicious lunch are included, plus a 4WD trip to swim in the pristine rainforest creek, away from the crowds. On the return journey, there is a short refreshment stop for exotic ice cream, to sample local flavours like Black Sapote, Wattle Seed and Jackfruit.
Note: All bookings and enquiries are to be made through our tour partner Cairns Aquarium here.
Daintree River Cruise
Highlights of your 2-Day Tour:
- Complimentary return transfers on the Daintree Rainforest Day (no transfers for the Aquarium Tour).
- 2-Hour Twilight Tour with a Wildlife Encounter at the Cairns Aquarium starting at 3.15pm
- Indulge in a 3-Course Dinner in the Cairns Aquarium's aquatic-themed restaurant
- 1 hour Daintree River Cruise includes a light morning tea, spotting crocodiles and birdlife
- Spectacular views where the world heritage rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef - known as one of the BEST drives in the world!
- Stop at Alexandra Lookout for a photo opportunity *temporarily unavailable
- Guided walk on an elevated boardwalk through the Daintree Rainforest and learn about Aboriginal culture and rare flora & fauna
- Spot rare animals like the Cassowary or a Boyd's Dragon along the way
- Enjoy a main meal lunch
- Swim in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest
- Spend time at the famous Cape Tribulation Beach - where the rainforest meets the reef
- Cable Ferry crossing across the mighty Daintree River
- Stop at the Daintree Ice-cream company for a homemade exotic fruit ice cream on the way home. Signature ice cream cup included.
Adults 17+ years: $399
Child 4-16 years: $299
Infant 0 - 3 years: FREE
Family 2A+2C: $1,211
- Infant meals not included
- Days do not need to be booked consecutively and either experience can be done in any order (pending availability)
- Prices are in Australian dollars and include GST. Prices and package details are correct as of 1/04/2023 and may be subject to change. Valid to 31/03/2024.
- The package may not be available for consecutive days, depending on availability and weather conditions. However, if the tours are not available to be booked consecutively, you will be provided with alternative options. The Aquarium by Twilight experience is available Tuesday to Saturday (not Sunday). The Daintree Rainforest 4WD operates 7 days a week.
Days do not need to be booked consecutively and either experience can be done in any order (pending availability).
Day 1 - Aquarium by Twilight and 3-Course Dinner
- 3.00pm: Meet your guide in the Cairns Aquarium foyer
- 3.15pm: Begin your guided 2-hour Twilight tour with a Wildlife Encounter
- 5.15pm: Indulge in a 3-Course Dinner in the Cairns Aquarium's aquatic-themed restaurant. View Aquarium by Twilight menu here.
Day 2 - Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation 4WD Full Day Tour
Your Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation 4WD Bloomfield Track full-day tour from Cairns begins with being met by your friendly accredited guide at your accommodation. After introductions, we drive north along the magnificent scenic coastal route along the Captain Cook Highway learning about the history of the area and admiring spectacular views of the coastline and the Azure waters of the Coral Sea.
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Stop 1: Daintree Rainforest River Cruise & Morning Tea - our first stop is at the Majestic Daintree River for morning tea (tea, coffee & biscuits) before enjoying an informative guided River Cruise on the Daintree River. Relax and enjoy the splendour only the Daintree Rainforest can offer as you learn of Estuarine Crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife, this is nature at its best!
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Stop 2: Alexandra Range Lookout - we make our way up over the Alexandra Range and pause for a panoramic view of World Heritage, Wet Tropics, and Tropical Rainforest merging with the azure colours of the Coral Sea.
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Stop 3: Guided Boardwalk Daintree Rainforest Tour - experience the rainforest intimately on one of our guided elevated National Park Boardwalks. Your experienced guide will take you on a wonderful journey through this ancient rainforest whilst giving you an interpretation of flora and fauna and you will have ample time for photographs and questions as we search for the elusive, rare and totally unique Southern Cassowary and other wildlife species within this particular habitat.
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Stop 4: Lunch - Enjoy lunch at a local cafe in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest mere footsteps away from Cape Tribulation Beach. View the Daintree Rainforest lunch menu here.
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Stop 5: Freshwater Swim - enjoy a refreshing rainforest stream swim, in crystal clear fresh waters without the crowds of people.
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Stop 6: Cape Tribulation Beach - we then make our way to Cape Tribulation Beach after most of the crowds are gone, stroll along the beach and boardwalk to the photographers' platform overlooking the mountains and coast where the 'Rainforest meets the Reef.'
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Stop 7: Daintree Ice-Cream Company - we stop at an exotic homemade ice cream at the Daintree Ice-Cream Company on the way home. Signature ice cream cup included.
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.
Bookings and Enquiries:
All bookings and enquiries are to be made to our tour partner, Cairns Aquarium.
Operating days:
Days do not need to be booked consecutively and either experience can be done in any order (pending availability).
The package may not be available for consecutive days, depending on availability and weather conditions. However, if the tours are not available to be booked consecutively, you will be provided with alternative options. The Aquarium by Twilight experience is available Tuesday to Saturday (not Sunday). The Daintree Rainforest 4WD operates 7 days a week.
Cancellation policy:
Please contact Cairns Aquarium for the cancellation policy.
What time does the tour start and end?
Cairns Aquarium:
- 3.00pm: Meet your guide in the Cairns Aquarium foyer
- 3.15pm: Begin your guided 2-hour Twilight tour with a Wildlife Encounter
- 5.15pm: Indulge in a 3-Course Dinner in the Cairns Aquarium's aquatic-themed restaurant
Daintree Rainforest Tour:
- 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
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.
How many people will be in the Billy Tea Safaris 4WD vehicle?
Your helicopter scenic flight will have a maximum of 6 people. The Billy Tea Safaris vehicles take 16 to 20 passengers only. We keep our numbers small to create a more personalised experience. 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!
What do I need to bring?
Hat, towel, marine-friendly sunscreen, 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 for the day in the Daintree Rainforest?
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 is uneven ground and you will be in the rainforest.
What is included?
- 2-Hour Twilight Tour with a Wildlife Encounter
- 3-Course Dinner at the Cairns Aquarium
- Return transfers for the Daintree Rainforest Day Tour only
- Travel in an air-conditions custom-built 4WD vehicle
- All National Park fees included
- Tea or coffee and biscuits at the Cruise Centre
- 1-hour Daintree River Cruise
- Stop at Alexandra Lookout
- Guided boardwalk tour
- Lunch at a local cafe in the region
- Swim at Emmagen Creek
- Cape Tribulation Beach walk
- Ice-cream stop on your return journey. Signature ice-cream cup included.
What if I have dietary requirements?
All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation, or at least 48 hours notice before travel. Billy Tea Safaris cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason. The Cairns Aquarium also cater for special dietary requirements. View food menus here: View the Daintree Rainforest lunch menu here. View Aquarium by Twilight menu here.
Is the tour wheelchair / disabled-friendly?
Unfortunately, no the Daintree Rainforest Tour is not wheelchair / disabled-friendly due to the terrain and the nature of the area.
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.
