Frequently Asked Questions
We have created this FAQ to assist you with any doubts you might have regarding the house itself or the area. Try a search for information. Or, if you have more questions or any other queries, head to our Contact Section and we will be happy to help you.
FAQs - Bookings
How do you determine your nightly rates?
We have an automated pricing strategy that looks at factors such as local supply/demand for similar properties, seasonality, days of the week, duration and how far in advance is the booking, and so on.
Do you offer discounts for longer stays?
Yes - we offer a 10% discount for Weekly bookings and a 20% discount for Monthly bookings. These are automatically adjusted by Airbnb when you enter the stay dates.
Is there a minimum stay duration?
Yes - we have a two (2) night minimum.
Do you take a security or booking deposit?
No, we do not charge a security deposit - we simply expect that our guests are good people who respect our property and the simple and common-sense rules.
Pet owners note that we do not charge a security or pet bond, but if your pets cause accidental damage, it is courteous to report it to us so that we can arrange for a repair. Sometimes, this may involve an extra charge to you.
Are there any extra charges applicable to bookings?
We apply a (very modest) $50 cleaning fee per booking. The standard nightly rate displayed includes up to six (6) people, and we charge $10 per night per extra person. There may also be some Airbnb or Homeaway/Stayz fees and taxes (which we do not have anything to do with).
When is the full payment due?
Once we accept your booking request, or if you book a reservation with Instant Book, your payment method will be charged as soon as your reservation is confirmed. However, no matter whether the reservation is two days or two months away, Airbnb holds your payment in escrow until 24 hours after you actually check-in before transferring it to us, giving both of us some added time to make sure that everything is as expected.
Do I get access to the whole property or just a part? Do you live on-site too?
You get private access to the entire property all for yourself. We do not live on site.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3 pm, and check-out is by 10 am. We do consider specific requests to vary these times; however, whether it is possible or not depends on the weather and the availability of our cleaner, to ensure that TreeTops is adequately ready for you or the next guest.
Is GST charged on my accommodation price?
No; however, Airbnb charges 10% GST on their service fee.
What are Airbnb Service Fees?
These are fees charged by Airbnb for the use of their platform. Both guests and hosts are charged these fees. Fees are calculated from the booking subtotal (i.e. the nightly rate plus cleaning fee and additional guest fees, if applicable, but excluding Airbnb fees and taxes). Guest fees are displayed during checkout before booking a reservation.
Do you take bookings privately (outside of Airbnb or Homeaway/Stayz)?
No, the conveniences and peace-of-mind for both you and us are worth it!
FAQs - Treetops by the Sea
Is ‘TreeTops’ really pet-friendly?
Yes, we DO welcome house-trained pets (including dogs) to 'TreeTops'! However, the following common-sense rules apply:
Please ensure that pets remain off the soft furnishings and beds.
No wet, sandy or dirty pets inside please until they have been dried/washed
There are numerous safe and enclosed verandahs around 'TreeTops' where pets can hang out, including the pool deck area
The yard is NOT fenced (it's a wildlife conservation area)
There are lots of nearby beaches where dogs can run and play freely!
Additionally, please be aware that this is a wildlife area - including some huge pythons! These magnificent animals are naturally attracted to small animals for all the wrong reasons, so keep a good eye out, and we would not recommend leaving your pets outside unaccompanied or at night. There are also paralysis ticks and nasty ants in the gardens, so don't let your pets wander about.
What about stairs? Is ‘TreeTops’ mobility-friendly?
Please note that 'TreeTops' is built over three levels (hey, it’s actually treehouse afterall :)): the garden-level (comprising the main entrance, carport, garden, pool and rumpus/overflow bedroom), then twelve (12) timber stairs up to the branches-level (middle) (comprising the three main bedrooms, verandahs and bathrooms/toilets), then another twenty (20) stairs to the canopy-level (upper) comprising the kitchen and indoor/outdoor living room). There is no elevator/lift, and the only toilets are on the middle level. The property is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What parking is available?
There is an undercover carport for a vehicle plus a small flat area that would be suitable for a campervan, camping trailer, or small boat trailer. There is also plenty of safe street parking too (although the property is located on a hill), with lots more room at the end of a cul de sac.
Is the property fenced?
TreeTops is NOT a fenced property. Bingil Bay lies adjacent to a World Heritage-listed rainforest where cassowaries and other native animals live, so it is important to note that pets (especially dogs) should not roam freely around the property or street. Please take this information into account when considering your pet and the local natural environment.
Is the piano playable?
YES, and you may play it of course - we often get feedback from our neighbours who love hearing the music!
Are bedding and towels included?
Yes, each of the comfy beds is prepared fully ready to sleep in with freshly-laundered, quality manchester. And there is an allocation of one towel per guest included.
FAQs - Local Area
Where can we see a cassowary?
Whilst you may well see a cassowary roaming the roadsides around the Mission Beach township areas, you might have to search a little more if you are short on time or just plain unlucky. Close to town, the most likely places to come across one are the Lacey Creek and Licuala Fan Palm Walks. Occasionally, hikers may come across one on either the Bicton Hill and Kennedy Walking Tracks. For an almost guaranteed sighting, however, head to Etty Bay, just south of Innisfail (it’s worth the trip anyway - and the fish and chips are great!)
Oh no, it’s late/Sunday and I’m out of milk! Where can I get some emergency supplies?
At the Bingil Bay Cafe, 29 Bingil Bay Road. Drive to the end of Cutten Street, turn left onto Bingil Bay Road, drive for 30 seconds... voilà!
Where is the nearest fuel/service station from TreeTops?
Either Woolworths Fuel at Wongaling Beach (11 km/14 minutes) or El Arish Puma (14 km/15 minutes).
Is there anywhere that we can buy some fresh, local seafood?
Sorry, there is currently no fresh seafood for sale in the Mission Beach area. (I know, right!) Most of the local restaurants get their fresh fish brought down from Cairns. There is a Fish and Chip shop in both Tully and Innisfail, and at Etty Bay, and you might be lucky in the Woolworths.
What local walks do you recommend?
There’s an excellent summary of the local walking tracks on the Mission Beach Cassowary website. Great walks for young kids include the Ulysses Link/Cutten Brothers Walking Track and Lacey’s Creek. For older kids, try Bicton Hill. For longer walks, go for the Kennedy or Musgravea Walking Tracks. And don’t forget the walks around Dunk Island!
Is there a boat ramp nearby?
Yes. There are four local boat ramps. In order of distance from Bingil Bay, these are Clump Point (6 km), South Mission Beach (18 km), Jackey Jackey (19 km), and Carmoo (21 km). None are serviced with fuel, which you can only get from the local Woolworths Service Station at Wongaling Beach, or back along the Bruce Highway. For more information, click here.
Is Woolworths supermarket in Wongaling Beach open on Sunday?
No - and it closes at 6 pm on Saturday. Otherwise, it is open from 8 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday, and from 8 am on Saturday. On a Sunday, you can head to Coles in Innisfail (40 minutes drive).
Are there any local markets?
YES! The Mission Beach Rotary Club runs the local markets which operate on the beachfront under the shade of the tropical canopy. They are beautiful, relaxing, local and fun! Held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month all year round, 8 am -1 pm, opposite Hideaway Holiday Village on Porter Promenade in the Mission Beach Village.
Can you recommend a reef tour to us?
SURE CAN! Last year, we took the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises tour upon recommendation by friends, and it was fantastic! We really saw ‘Nemos’, great coral and it’s so much quicker, less crowded and more affordable than the big Cairns tours.