Chillagoe Caves & Outback Day Tour

Fast facts

Departs Tuesday & Friday
Departs 6.45 am returns Approx 6.30 pm -7 pm
Aussie lunch included included at 100 year old outback pub
Aboriginal rock art
Explore the famous Chillagoe caves

On this full-day tour from Cairns, visit the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge, and other sights of Tropical North Queensland.

Billy Tea Safaris takes you on a full-day excursion from Cairns to the magnificent Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge, and other sights of Tropical North Queensland. Your day starts with a pleasant accredited guide picking you up in a custom-built air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.

We’ll ascend the McAllister Ranges after introductions and getting to know your other passengers for the day. Looking for a variety of bush birds such as emus, wedge-tail eagles, squatter pigeons, kangaroos, and frilled neck lizards. Along the route to your first stop for morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba.

Travel out to Chillagoe

While listening to your guide’s insightful comments about the region’s fauna, history, and aboriginal culture. Travel through ancient mining towns and small outback communities with an expert local guide as you explore the Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park.

Visit the Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, Balancing Rock for a spectacular photo opportunity, Aboriginal rock art, and Granite Gorge to watch the wallabies. Lunch will be served at a 100-year-old Aussie Outback tavern.

Stop 1: Skybury Coffee Plantation for Morning Tea

While enjoying the balcony views, enjoy a coffee or tea and a morning snack (such as scones, jam and cream, and tropical fruit)

Stop 2: Private Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Tour led by a local ranger

Step back in time as your guide discusses the petrified remains of the old coral reefs, and be inspired by his knowledge. With concealed limestone labyrinths, this 400–420 million year old structure provides a link to a long-lost planet.

very similar to our own Great Barrier Reef. The inland sea used to be here. The limestone caves and Chillagoe-Munagana Formations, which date back millions of years, and are very breathtaking.

Stop 3: Chillagoe Smelter Ruins

The historic chimneys of the Chillagoe copper smelters, which dominate the western horizon, are the subject of this investigation. We explore the ruins of the once-powerful smelters to imagine what it must have been like to work there.

Stop 4: Aussie lunch at Chillagoe’s 100-year-old pub

A genuine Australian Outback Pub constructed around the turn of the century. There is time to visit Chillagoe’s exclusive gift shop. specialising in regional Aboriginal art and Chillagoe stone.

Stop 5: Visit Balancing Rock

An iconic photo opportunity!

Stop 6: See Aboriginal Rock Art

In addition learn about some Dreamtime stories.

Stop 7: Visit Granite Gorge to see the wallabies

At Granite Gorge National Park, you can finally get up close and personal with these neighbourhood rock wallabies and still have time to explore the park before heading home.

Note that depending on the weather, potential road closures, and for everyone’s safety, Billy Tea Safaris guides reserve the right to alter itineraries, operate in a different sequence, or not reach some sites.