cape york f.a.q

Welcome to our most Frequently Asked Questions relating to our premium Captain Billy Safari chauffeur tours in the stunning Cape York region of Northern Australia. We hope the below information is of assistance, however please do not hesitate to Contact Us with any further queries you may have.

What is included in the tour cost?
Your tour price includes all meals, twin share accommodation, domestic airfare from Horn Island to Cairns, Thursday Island ferry crossing, fees for camp sites, barge and National Park entries.

What is not included in the tour cost?
If you would like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage during your holiday tour then you will need to bring this yourself.

What should I bring with me on the tour?
Baggage space is limited in each vehicle, therefore a soft sided sausage style bag measuring approximately 600mm x 500mm x 300mm (24" x 20" x 12") with a maximum weight of about 10 kgs (17lbs) per person is advised. You will need a small backpack for taking on walks or fishing. Excess luggage may be stored at your hotel or secured at our depot. We suggest 4 to 5 changes of older, casual clothing including shirts, shorts, swimmers, towel, old joggers, jeans, jacket or tracksuit for cooler evenings, hat, and toiletries. Remember your camera, all necessary film and spare batteries. To preserve the environment, please bring bio-degradable soap for use in shower blocks, however, the use of soaps or solvents of any kind in waterways is strictly prohibited.

What dates does each tour depart?
Tour departure dates can be found on the Make a Booking page of this Website.

Where does each tour depart?
Each safari tour departs from Cairns and ends at Horn Island; you then hop on a plane and return to Cairns. (Cost of flight is included in our tour package).

Do I need to organise travel insurance?
You will need to organise and pay for your own travel insurance, however it is strongly recommended that you do organise your travel insurance well before departure date. Your insurance should cover loss of costs through cancellation, loss of personal belongings, baggage, money and medical expenses. Most claims arise from personal or close family illness before holiday departure resulting in cancellation fees.

How many people can go in a tour?
Maximum tour size is 8 guests plus Captain Billy staff to ensure a more personal tour. It is important that each of our discerning guests is treated to an executive style chauffeur tour with attention to detail and customer service, hence why the intimate size of each tour.

What is the difference between the premium chauffeur-driven Captain Billy's tour and the Tag-Along Tour?
Tag-Along tour allows 1-2 people to self-drive the Cape York tour as part of our convoy. Experience the thrill of driving your own 4WD vehicles for the tour, while still enjoying the safety, enjoyment and comfort of remaining part of the organised tour group.

How do I find out more information on bringing my own 4WD on the catered or self-catered Tag-Along tours?
Go to our online Tag-Along 4WD Tours information to learn more about our fabulous self-drive 4WD tours, including rates and tour dates.

Is the tour suitable for young children?
No. Each tour takes 16 days and is not suitable for young children.

What type of accommodation can I expect on the tour?
This depends on the type of tour you have chosen. The Premium tour provides the comfort and luxury of a super queen side bed in the Kimberley Platinum off road Kamper plus private ensuite, while guests on the Original tour can enjoy the most comfortable camp bedding imaginable in a spacious 4 person Turbo Tent along with portable toilets and canvas hot showers.

What type of vehicle do we travel in on our safari tour?
Our tours are designed for the discerning traveller, therefore for maximum guest comfort, we only use the latest 'state of the art' 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Turbo diesel's. Each vehicle is fully equipped with accessories such as front and rear lock differentials, outback suspension, long range fuel tanks, air conditioning and a large capacity refrigerator.

Where does all our gear fit while we are on tour?
Along with the spacious 4WD vehicles, we travel with two Kimberly Platinum off road camper trailers equipped with full kitchen facilities, electric generator, water tanks and extra refrigeration for food storage. The addition of two outboard powered aluminium boats for fishing and exploring adds an extra exciting dimension to the Cape York experience.

Will be able to stay in communication with emergency services during our 'out-back' tour?
Yes. The safety and comfort of our customers is our number one priority, which is why our experienced tour guides use the latest in radio communication; both hand held UHF receivers and citizen band with Flying doctor channels and satellite phones.

Will I be able to get cell phone coverage?
Telstra Digital mobile telephones only operate in CDMA areas such as Cooktown, Laura, Coen, Weipa, Loyalty Beach and Thursday Island. We also have our own satellite phone for emergencies.

Will I be able to recharge my digital camera batteries while we are travelling?
Yes. Telephones, cameras and other electrical devises can be charged in the vehicle with a suitable 12 volt cigarette lighter adaptor plug or from our electric generator. Mains power is available in Cooktown, Musgrave, Coen, Weipa, Bramwell and Cape York (Punsand Bay) and sometimes at our overnight campsites when the generator is running.

Do we have to bring our own alcohol? If so, is there any alcohol restrictions?
Wine, beer or spirits is not included in your tour price, therefore you will need to bring your own. However, the Queensland Government and Aboriginal communities developed and implemented Alcohol Management Plans to regulate the carriage of alcohol by all persons in certain areas of Cape York and the Gulf Savannah. We will provide further information regarding this at the time of your booking.

Do I have to pay a deposit to secure my tour booking?
Yes. 10% deposit is required on booking and the balance is to be received no later than 28 days before departure date of your tour.

Is it safe to use my credit card online via your Website?
Yes. We treat the security of our guest’s information very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL, which encrypts the credit card number so as to make it unavailable to any other party.

Which credit card types do you accept?
We accept Visa, Master Card, Bankcard and Diners.

What is your cancellation policy?
Any cancellations must be received at least 28 days prior to tour departure date. Cancellations must be received in writing (email, letter or fax) and confirmation from us of receipt of your cancellation is proof of your cancellation request. If you do not receive a reply from us advising receipt of your cancellation then you must assume that our offices have not received your cancellation. A cancellation cost up to but not more than the deposit will be incurred.