cairns rainforest tours — billy tea bush safaris
Billy Tea Bush Safaris is a small locally run tour business that offers guests personalised attention and a wealth of knowledge that has been accumulated from decades of experience living and touring in and around North Queensland, Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest.
Your tour will start when you are picked up from your Cairns, Cairns Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation. From there, enjoy the scenic coastal drive along Captain Cook Highway as your knowledgeable guide introduces you to the history of the early settlers of the region. Enjoy witty commentary and traditional Aussie humour throughout the day as you begin to get accustomed to Queenslanders’ relaxed approach to life.
The first stop of the day is at the Daintree River where you will be offered tea, coffee and biscuits before heading off on your hour long wildlife river cruise. During the cruise learn about the unique rainforest and river ecosystems and all their inhabitants including the almighty salt water crocodile. Keep your eyes peeled while on the cruise as you will more than probably see baby crocs, perched on logs along the riverbank, green tree snakes tangled in the branches above, and prehistoric Estuarine crocodiles primitively guarding their territory.
You will return from your river cruise with fantastic photographs and a wealth of knowledge about the infamous croc.
The next stop along the tour is the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforest. A brief photo stop is taken at Alexandra Lookout where expansive views of the mouth of the Daintree River, Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed rainforest combine to make a photo-worthy scene. Then it is off to Jindalba Boardwalk for your interpretive nature walk through the rainforest. Your informative guide will explain to you the history of this monumental forest, as well as the native plants and animals that flourish all around you.
Lunch is the next stop of the tour, and you will head to Lync Haven Animal Refuge where you can hand feed wallabies and kangaroos as well as join a traditional Australian barbie. Meat lovers can chow down on delicious rump steaks or sausages while the vegetarians can enjoy fish or veggie patties. There are plenty of salads to go around and make sure to bring your wallet as you will have a chance to purchase your refreshments from the licensed bar (although water and cordial are provided free of charge.)
After lunch it is time to do some 4WD driving on the renowned Bloomfield Track (the gateway to Cooktown.) You will trek through rainforest-clad mountains, lush tea plantations and through rainforest streams before arriving at the stunning Emmagen Creek. Swim in the fresh waters of Emmagen Creek if you are brave enough to withstand the crisp waters and warm up afterward with a traditional billy tea made with fresh, locally grown Daintree Tea. Savour some traditional damper and wine and taste the delicious flavours of locally grown fresh fruit unique to the tropics of Queensland.
Emmagen Creek is the northernmost point of your tour, as it is now time to turn around and head back towards Cairns. There are two more stops on the way back, the first one being Cape Tribulation Beach. Cape Tribulation Beach is the one pictured in many postcards around Cairns and the Tropical North. This stunning beach features the only spot in Queensland where two World Heritage attractions unite, the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed rainforest. Stroll along the chalky sand beach and gaze out to the Coral Sea and Snapper Island on the horizon.
The final stop of the tour is Daintree’s hidden gem, also known as the Daintree Ice Cream Factory. This place will delight ice cream and non ice cream lovers alike with unique flavours such as sapote, wattle seed and coconut. All the fruits used to make the ice cream have been locally grown on the property and for under $5.00 you can taste up to four different flavours.
Finally as the day winds down to an end, board the bus and make yourself comfortable, perhaps take a much needed nap, on the leisurely drive back to Port Douglas or Cairns.
