Billy Tea Daintree Rainforest Trip Review – An Unforgettable Day Exploring Australia’s Ancient Tropical Rainforests!

If you’re heading to Cairns, exploring the Daintree Rainforest—the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth—is an experience not to be missed. At over 180 million years old, it’s older than the Amazon and offers a surreal landscape of prehistoric plants, thriving wildlife, and dramatic coastal views. We joined the Billy Tea Safaris Daintree Day Tour to experience it for ourselves and were genuinely impressed. With professional guides, comfortable transport, and a well-paced itinerary, this small-group 4WD tour gave us a deep dive into this remarkable World Heritage area.

Tour Name: Billy Tea Daintree Rainforest 4WD Day Tour | Departure location: Cairns City & Northern Beaches | Duration: Full Day (Approx. 11 hours) | Highlights: Daintree River Cruise, Alexandra Lookout, Cape Tribulation, Madja Boardwalk, Freshwater Creek Swim, Exotic Fruit Ice Cream, Scenic Drive

Morning Pick-Up & Journey North

Our day began with a 7:10am pick-up from Citysider Cairns, right on time. The vehicle was modern, air-conditioned, and very comfortable for the day’s long journey. Our guide welcomed everyone aboard and gave a detailed briefing outlining the full day ahead.

Although breakfast isn’t included, we stopped mid-way at Mossman, where there’s a handy pop-up coffee van across from the public restrooms. A hot flat white and banana bread hit the spot—and we’d recommend eating a light breakfast before departure if you’re someone who needs fuel early in the day.

Throughout the drive, our guide offered a steady stream of local commentary, sharing stories about the area’s flora, fauna, history, and Aboriginal culture. Even with a 2.5-hour journey, it never felt long or dull.

Daintree River Cruise – Crocodiles, Mangroves & More

We arrived at the Daintree River Cruise dock around 9:10am. With the sky a little overcast and the forest draped in mist, it felt like the rainforest was showing its moody, wild side.

The one-hour wildlife cruise was a highlight of the day. Our river guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and had a sharp eye—within minutes, we spotted several wild estuarine crocodiles, resting camouflaged on the muddy banks (See photos attached). We also saw kingfishers, egrets, and intricate mangrove root systems. The commentary was informative without being overbearing, and it felt more like a discovery than a presentation. After disembarking on the north bank, we rejoined our bus and continued deeper into the Daintree.

Alexandra Lookout – Panoramic Coastal Views

A short drive took us to the picturesque Alexandra Lookout, offering expansive views across the Daintree River delta and Coral Sea. On a clear day, you can even spot Snapper Island and glimpses of Palm Cove further south. It’s a quick photo stop, but a worthwhile one that captures the contrast between rainforest and reef.

Rainforest Lunch & Optional Freshwater Swim

Lunch was served in a secluded rainforest setting, and we appreciated how dietary needs were well-catered for—with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. We chose the grilled barramundi and steak, served with pasta salad, fresh vegetables, and fruit platters. The food was fresh and filling, though not gourmet. The venue included well-maintained restrooms and changing areas for those wanting to swim.

After lunch, guests had the option to take a short walk to a freshwater creek for a swim. The water was surprisingly mild, and the creek was fringed by rainforest vines and tree ferns. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a few scenic photos.

Cape Tribulation – Where Rainforest Meets the Reef

Our next destination was Cape Tribulation, one of the most iconic locations in the Wet Tropics. This is where two World Heritage sites—the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef—meet. We had about 40 minutes to walk the beach, soak up the views, and listen to the sound of the surf meeting the forest.

Wildlife was elusive during our visit, but the setting itself is powerful. It’s not every day you walk a beach flanked by prehistoric rainforest on one side and coral sea on the other.

Madja Boardwalk – Guided Rainforest Walk

Following the coastline, we continued on to the Madja Botanical Boardwalk for a guided 45-minute interpretive walk. This was another highlight. The elevated boardwalk winds through dense lowland rainforest, mangrove swamps, and brackish estuaries, where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems meet.

Our guide’s explanations brought the forest to life—pointing out ancient cycads, stilt-rooted trees, epiphytes, and hidden fungi. One tip: bring insect repellent—the sandflies can be persistent, especially after rain.

Daintree Ice Cream Company – Tropical Treats

Before turning south, we made our final stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Co., a charming orchard offering handmade ice cream from exotic tropical fruits. The day’s selection included soursop, wattleseed, jackfruit, and passionfruit—all made fresh on site. The servings are generous, and the café also offers quality barista coffee if you’re in need of a caffeine boost for the drive home.

Rex Lookout – Scenic Sunset Stop

On the return journey, we paused briefly at Rex Lookout, a cliffside viewpoint looking out across Ellis Beach and the Coral Sea. A final chance to stretch the legs and snap a few photos before arriving back in Cairns around 6:00pm.

Final Thoughts – A Well-Rounded, Professionally Run Rainforest Tour

Cairns Dive Adventures Rating: 9/10

This tour is ideal for travellers wanting a comprehensive, educational, and comfortable rainforest experience in a single day. The small group size allowed for personalised interaction, and the guides were both informative and engaging throughout.

Top Highlights:

• Daintree River Cruise – Crocodiles in the wild
• Madja Boardwalk – Deep rainforest immersion
• Cape Tribulation – Unique meeting point of reef and rainforest
• Freshwater Creek Swim – Hidden tropical escape
• Daintree Ice Cream – Tasty and truly local

Whether you’re pairing this with a Great Barrier Reef tour or just wanting to discover a different side of Tropical North Queensland separate from the Kuranda Train & Skyrail, Billy Tea’s Daintree Safari delivers a truly authentic rainforest experience—right down to the last scoop of ice cream.

This review is independently written by Cairns Dive Adventures – we are a local, professional dive and tour agency based in Cairns. All opinions are our own and based on real experience. If you have any questions about this tour or any other tour please contact our reservation team on PH: +61 7 40411638 or by Email: reservations@cairnsdiveadventures.com