Billy Tea Safaris
About the World Heritage Highlights Day Tour:
Unique, breathtaking and totally immersive, this is a fantastic Reef & Rainforest day tour from Cairns and Port Douglas. See the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest from above in a helicopter before joining up with Billy Tea Safaris to explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation by 4WD.
Your day starts by boarding a luxury helicopter to enjoy a spectacular reef-scenic helicopter flight from Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the vibrant colours and sheer expanse of the Great Barrier Reefs thriving coral gardens before touching down in the heart of the oldest continually existing wet tropical rainforest on earth – the Daintree National Park to join up with the Billy Tea Safaris Daintree Rainforest tour group.
It's time to then board your Daintree River Cruise to spot crocodiles and other wildlife amongst the mangroves and Daintree River. As one of the only tour operators to travel on the Bloomfield Track your experience will be like no other. Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide. Learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, visit Cape Tribulation Beach and enjoy a homemade Daintree ice-cream on your journey home.
Note: All bookings and enquiries are to be made through our Helicopter partner Nautilus Aviation here.
Daintree River Cruise
Highlights of your Day Tour from Cairns and Port Douglas:
- Complimentary pick up from your accommodation and transfer to the Nautilus Aviation Heliport
- Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest with a highly skilled pilot guide with informative and entertaining commentary
- Join the Billy Tea Safaris Daintree Rainforest Tour and your local eco-accredited driver guide
- 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
- Guided walk on an elevated boardwalk through the Daintree Rainforest and learn about Aboriginal culture and rare flora & fauna
- 4WD the Bloomfield Track - Billy Tea Safaris are one of the only operators who can travel on the Bloomfield Track due to our custom-made vehicles
- Spot rare animals like the Cassowary or a Boyd's Dragon along the way
- Enjoy a main meal lunch at a local cafe in the Daintree Rainforest region
- Swim in the rainforest at pristine Emmagen Creek
- 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 (ice-cream at own expense)
- Return transfer to your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation
All tickets: $1,200pp (minimum 2 passengers)
- All helicopter pricing is per seat, independent of age.
- Infants aged 0-2 years can fly free of charge on the lap of a parent or guardian with a maximum of 1 infant per flight (as per CASA regulations).
- Passengers 3 years and older must occupy their own seat.
- Payload limits apply to all aircraft. Accurate individual passenger body weights are required at the time of booking.
- Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies.
Bookings and all enquiries are to be made through our Helicopter partner Nautilus Aviation here.
There are two package options, depending on whether you are depart Cairns or Port Douglas.
EX CAIRNS
- Depart Cairns 8.15am
- Returns: Port Douglas 5:30pm | Northern Beaches 6.00pm | Cairns 6:30pm
EX PORT DOUGLAS
- Depart Port Douglas: 8.15am
- Returns: Port Douglas 5.30pm | Northern Beaches 6.00pm | Cairns 6:30pm
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.
Meet & Greet 7.30am: Complimentary pick up at your Cairns or Port Douglas accommodation and transfer to Nautilus Aviation Heliport.
Departure time 8.15am: Board a luxurious helicopter by Nautilus Aviation. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the tropical rainforest clad coastline, across the azure waters of the Coral Sea and into the very heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Only from this unique aerial perspective can the vibrant hues and sheer expanse of the reef’s thriving coral gardens be truly appreciated.
Your highly skilled pilot will share their local knowledge of the region while on the lookout for Turtles, Dolphins, Manta Rays, large schools of pelagic fish and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul-Sep).
As we approach the mainland again, shades of blue merge seamlessly into the lush, emerald-green coastline of the Daintree Rainforest. Crossing the coastline at the mouth of the majestic Daintree River we follow this ancient waterway to our landing site at the Daintree River Cruise Centre to join up with a small group 4WD tour with Billy Tea Safaris.
Stop 1: Daintree Rainforest River Cruise & Morning Tea - you are greeted by 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!
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.
Stop 3: Guided Boardwalk 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.
Stop 4: Lunch at a Local Cafe - Enjoy lunch at a local cafe in the Daintree Rainforest region.
Stop 5: Emmagen Creek Wildlife Spotting & Swim - we will take you beyond the famous Daintree Tea Plantation, past spectacular mountains and through spectacular World Heritage Rainforest as we pass Cape Tribulation and continue along the 4WD Bloomfield Track through to pristine Emmagen Creek. Billy Tea Safaris is the only tour operator that goes to this secret Jewel in the Rainforest, and now it is time for a refreshing rainforest stream swim, in crystal clear fresh waters and without the crowds of people.
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.'
Stop 7: Daintree Ice-Cream Company - we stop for an exotic homemade ice-cream at the Daintree Ice-cream Company on the way home. Try delicious homegrown flavours that you have never heard before grown right on the orchard! (ice-cream at own expense).
Please note: itineraries may be changed, operate in a different order or some destinations may not be reached at the discretion of Billy Tea Safaris guide on the day due to weather, possible road closures and for the safety of all passengers.
Bookings and Enquiries:
All bookings and enquiries are to be made to our Helicopter partner, Nautilus Aviation.
Operating days:
Our days will vary throughout the year. Please enquire with our partner Nautlius Aviation now.
Cancellation policy:
Please contact Nautilus Aviation for the cancellation policy.
Helicopter requirements:
- All helicopter pricing is per seat, independent of age.
- Infants aged 0-2 years can fly free of charge on the lap of a parent or guardian with a maximum of 1 infant per flight (as per CASA regulations).
- Passengers 3 years and older must occupy their own seat.
- Payload limits apply to all aircraft. Accurate individual passenger body weights are required at the time of booking.
- Maximum individual seat weight limit of 130kg applies.
What time does the tour start and end?
There are two package options, depending on whether you depart Cairns or Port Douglas.
EX CAIRNS
- Depart Cairns 8.15am
- Returns: Port Douglas 5:30pm | Northern Beaches 6.00pm | Cairns 6:30pm
EX PORT DOUGLAS
- Depart Port Douglas: 8.15am
- Returns: Port Douglas 5.30pm | Northern Beaches 6.00pm | Cairns 6:30pm
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 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!
Note: numbers have been reduced due to COVID-19. Passengers will be spread out to adhere to current COVID restrictions.
Can we do a private charter?
Yes! Private charters are available with personalised itineraries and price on application, enquire now!
What do I need to take?
Hat, 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?
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?
- Return transfers
- Helicopter flight over the reef and rainforest
- Accredited driver-guide for the day
- 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
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. We cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason and providing they are of a medical nature.
Is the tour wheelchair / disabled friendly?
Unfortunately, no.
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.
