To see the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation & 4WD Bloomfield Track we decided to lash out and go on an organised one day tour. Billy Tea Safaris operates small personalised tours with custom built 4WD vehicles, with a maximum of 16 passengers per vehicle. We were picked up from our hotel in Port Douglas at 8.30am. The bus was almost full of people that had been picked up in Cairns.
River Cruise on the Daintree River.
After driving for a bit with a short stop in Mossman we hopped on to a River Cruise on the Daintree River. The cruise goes along the banks of the Daintree River. We were able to enjoy a close up view of Salt Water Crocodiles and mangrove forests, and also spotted some snakes and birds.
While we were on the Daintree river cruise the driver took the bus on the ferry to the other side so it was ready for us to get back on after 1.5 hours on the Daintree River. We then boarded the 4WD bus and headed north through the beautiful scenery of the tropical forest.
Mount Alexandra Lookout
We stopped briefly at the Mount Alexandra Lookout which had magnificent views of the Coral sea through the pretty tree ferns and forest.
Daintree Rainforest Walk
On the bus again and a short easy walk through the Daintree rainforest. Ancient trees and ferns towered above us.
BBQ Lunch
The steak and sausages were cooked up on the BBQ by the multi talented tour bus driver. While we were waiting we had a look around at the native animals and birds that were scattered around the restaurant grounds.
We were hungry from the mornings activities and enjoyed the simple BBQ and freshly made salads.
Emmagen Creek for a swim, billy tea, and tropical fruit
A few people went in for a swim at Emmagen Creek and we enjoyed watching them from the banks. ( Too cold for us )
We had a cup of the billy tea made from the creek water and tasted the tropical fruit. The fruit was all delicious and there were some unusual looking things along with pineapple, passionfruit and custard apple. We tried a bit of everything.
4WD’s Crossing the Emmagen Creek
A couple of 4WD’s crossed the creek near where our bus had parked for a swim and tasting of tropical fruit. It was then followed by several more 4WD’s.
It was strange to see this as before we saw these 4WD’s crossing it felt like an isolated private spot!
Cape Tribulation for a Quick Visit
This stop was way too short – 15 minutes total time. We had time to walk to a lookout and then back down to the beach. We walked along the beach and realised like most people on the bus that we needed to get back. And like I said most people were considerate and got back on the bus within the time frame we were told to be back in.
There’s always one annoying inconsiderate person(s) on a tour!
There was one couple on the bus that were last getting on every stop, or getting in the way of photo opportunities. The bus stops a lot and we found it frustrating that this same woman and her husband were not only getting late back they were very inconsiderate in many other ways.
- Blocking views sitting on the front of the river boat cruise while it clearly said to sit down. It wasn’t to till the near the end of the cruise she was told to sit in her seat.
- Jumping the toilet queue at Cape Tribulation – she just barged in front and took the first available cubicle
- Blocking me from getting out on the bus because she was ordering someone else up the back of the bus to get her husbands sunglasses. I had to ask her to move out of the way ( she knew she was blocking me) and as this was near the end of the day and I was already mildly pissed off. I remarked to her that perhaps her husband should find his own sunglasses.
- Ignoring warnings to not go near the water’s edge at Cape Tribulation. Instead she decided to go knee deep while her husband took photos. ( Before she turned up late for the bus yet again we were wondering (quietly hoping) if a hungry croc had snatched her from the water’s edge! )
- Blocking photo opportunities. There was a cassowary on the side of the road. The bus pulled over for a look and she got in front of the only window that you could see it so she could take photos. Too bad for everyone else. The bus had to move on ( to get into the ferry queue) and she was probably the only one that got a good look.
It was a busy day with lots of stops and we worked out that if they had have been back on the bus like everyone else we would not have missed the queue for the ferry. Because we just missed the ferry it we had to wait in the stationery bus in the far queue for 20 minutes. We really enjoyed the day and tried not to let this inconsiderate couple ruin it.
Far Queue Ferry Wait to cross the Daintree River
The ferry that crosses the Daintree River is the only way of getting your car across. It is a cable system over the river that travels at a slow 3 km per hour. It takes 10 minutes to get from one side to the other. You may have to wait like we did. Depends on the numbers of vehicles crossing when you want to cross!
If you just miss a go at getting on the ferry you have to wait about 20 minutes for it to crawl across the Daintree River and then back again!
On our way back to Port Douglas – Lovely Scenery!
The scenery is fantastic on the trip. You do cover a lot of distance and I found it relaxing to look out the bus windows to see the mountains, and sugar cane fields.
We were dropped back at our hotel and while still hot from the big day out we went for a swim to refresh and relax.
Dinner again at Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant
Love this place. Yummy Calamari, Chorizo dish, Brisket Pizza, and Spanish wine. Henry the owner is fantastic and looks after you like a loved family member.
Did I say I love this place? I do.
Jimmy Rums Mixing Lounge and the Beautiful Singer Vanessa
Our last night in Port Douglas was topped off with Vanessa singing for the first time at Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge. We sipped a cocktail (or 2) and enjoyed listening to Vanessa ( and her much in love boyfriend watching her)
Next time we are in Port Douglas we will be heading to Jimmy Rums Mixing Lounge again and again and again.
Last night in Port Douglas – What a Day!
We thoroughly enjoyed the Billy Tea Safari Tour. The day was packed with a fantastic itinerary. Full of things we would not have been able to co-ordinate and pack into experiencing by ourselves.
It was a bonus hearing Vanessa sing at Jimmy Rums Mixing Lounge – and finished off another fantastic Port Douglas holiday! We will be back!
A Perfect Day in Port Douglas!
Billy Tea Safaris ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
289 Draper St
Cairns 4870
Queensland Australia
Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
13/53-61 Macrossan St,
Port Douglas QLD 4877
Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/28 Wharf St
Port Douglas, QLD 4877