Where is Billabong Horseback Adventures? Billabong Horseback Adventures is located in Kuranda, a 30 minute scenic drive over the mountain ranges west from Cairns.
This makes us the closest establishment of its kind offering Horse Riding in Cairns & ATV Quad Bike tours.
Do you provide transfers from accommodation? Yes, our transfers are offered as a courtesy service to all travelling guests to Cairns. We cover an area from Cairns South to the Palm Cove on the Northern Beaches. Connections from Port Douglas are available for a surcharge, and will meet with our Northern Beachs transfer.
What makes you different to other horse riding and ATV operators? Our property is over 90% rainforest, and is infact the closest establishment of its kind to Cairns. We focus on ensuring our groups are always
small and personalised. Some operators may also charge additional fees and levies, however we do not, so you always will only ever pay the
all inclusive price advertised. Additionally, our property is based in a valley that lies behind Kuranda so the terrain is quite aventurous.
How powerful are the ATV Quad Bikes? The ATV Quads used are 300cc. There are also some 150cc & 90cc bikes for the less experienced, your yonger / smaller riders.
How long does the tour go for? Depending on what tour or package you choose will depend on your departure and return time. For morning tours, we advise to allow 5.5 hours from pickup at your accommodation to return. For our afternoon & sunset tours please allow 4.5hrs. Timing allows for transfers, safety breifing and short lesson prior to riding, meals & refreshments. Our full day tours usually depart your accommodation from 7:30am, and expect to return around 6:00pm.
Is there a weight restriction? (Horses) A general weight restriction of 125kg applies for all horse riding tours, however any rider over 100kg will only be permitted to ride subject to the horse being comfortable at carrying them. Availability to cater for larger guests is dendant on availability of our larger horses, and other bookings already taken. We must enforce our weight restriction in the interest of customer safety and welfare of our horses. Please note that you will be required to disclose your weight at the time of booking to ensure we prepare a suitable horse prior to your arrival.
How many horses do you have? We have in the vacinity of 25 very quiet, well behaved, and well cared for horses. There are a variety of Australian Stock Horses, Quarter Horses, Arabians, Brumbies, Appaloosas, Clydesdales and also various ponies for small adults and children. We pretty much have a horse to suit everyone.
Where does the tour go? The tours operate completely on our private property where we are fortunate to have beautiful heritage rainforest, freshwater streams, and majestic mountain-top views. Infact, approximately 90% of the horse riding tour is through tropical rainforest. The ATV tour also covers additional areas and extended trails through euycalypt forest, and time on the purpose built motocross tracks.
Do we need to go with a guide or can we just ride on our own? All riders must at all times be accompanied by a guide on our tours. There are several reason why, and the most important factor is safety.
Additionally the property is very large, and if you are unfamiliar with where you are going, you will almost certainly get lost. We do offer private
tours for those that want to be catered for individually, however we do apply a surcharge to this.
What will I see on the tour? Encounters of wildlife will vary from day to day, and different seasons of the year, and of course the weather, but usually you are bound to come across native animals such as wallabies, pademelons, bush turkeys, goannas and an abundance of local birdlife. We will show you amazing Strangling Fig trees that are 100's of years old, as well as unique and natural wonders of the rainforest. Some guests have been very lucky to see a rare glimpse of Cassowarys too. Our sunset tours often also encounter fire-flies, glow worms & many nocturnal creatures. The opportunity of sighting wildlife is far greater on our sunset tours as most rainforest animals are nocturnal.
Can I bring along my camera? We want you to enjoy your experience with us, and with that we want you to be able to take home memories of your visit. Cameras are more than welcome, and may be taken out on the tour. There are a few rules about taking photos whilst actually riding, however there are plenty of opportinities for photos during the tour. Our friendly guides are also more than happy to take a happy snap of you and your horse too!
How big are your groups? One major aspect we boast are our small and personalised group sizes. All tours generally have no more than 6 riders per group for horse riders and up to 8 riders per group on our ATV's. We can cater for up to 18 riders per session, however unless you are making a large group or private tour booking, groups are kept small and personalised.
Do I have the opportunity to go for trots and canters? (Horses) We try to give all riders the opportunity to trot and canter, however sometimes there are limitations to this which may include trail conditions, or
rider ability to maintain control of their horse. Experienced riders will be given the opportunity to trot and canter in most circumstances however in order to guarantee a pace suited to your experience level we recommend a private tour which is tailored just for you.
What do I need to wear? Our minimum requirement is that you are wearing long pants such as jeans or trousers, and also enclosed footwear such as runners, sneakers or boots. We do recommend that that you wear a shirt with sleeves and apply sunscreen. We will provide you with the necessary safety equipment. We also have loan pants & footwear if required. There is no charge for this.
What meals are included? Our half day tours include freshly made morning & afternoon tea, and is vegetarian friendly. Icy cold water, fruit juice & tea / coffee is also included at no additional cost. Our sunset tours include marshmallow roasting and hot Australian Damper, fresh from the camp-fire. Billy Tea and other refreshments are also included. Our Couples sunset tour has a choice of meal options for your selection. We are also a licensed establishment so alcoholic beverages as well as soft drinks are also available for purchase following your tour.
What if it is raining? Our tours operate in all weather conditions - after all you are going the experience the rainforest. All our horses are very sure footed, and can handle various weather conditions without problems. Our sunset horse riding tours are weather dependant as this is a partial night ride. We will contact you should there be a problem with tours operating.
Do you have Credit Card / EFTPOS facilities? Yes, we accept VISA, Mastercard, and EFTPOS as well as cash.
Do you have any age restrictions? We cater for horse riders as young as 5 years old for day time tours, and 10 years old for our sunset tours. There is no maximum age for riding horses, so long as you are reasonably fit and healthy. The minimum age to ride the ATV Quad bikes is 12yrs. There are smaller bikes available for younger guests, and small adults. You are never too old to do something adventurous!
Can I ride if I am pregnant? You may ride if you are pregnant provided that you provide us with a signed letter from your GP or doctor stating that in their opinion it is safe for you and your unborn child to participate.
Do you offer discounts for large groups, or corporate events? Definately! If you are booking your funtion directly with us, or have a group of 10 or more we can arrange special rates for you. We are able to
cater private charters to suit any occasion including rotation between horse riding and ATV quad bikes to suit any amount of guests up to 60 passengers. If you are looking for a venue to host your event, please speak to us. We have amazing facilities that are not matched anywhere in Cairns featuring a licensed saloon bar, fully facilitated commercial kitchen, camping facilities, large freshwater lagoon, and helicopter landing site.
