Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

4.7 (237 reviews) 11 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

237 reviews

4.7

The old smelter — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The only Outback Full-Day Tour! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on this full-day tour.

With a naturalist guide, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range and the Australian Outback while listening to informative commentary about the region’s wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture. Take a guided tour through the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park with a local ranger, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea at the local Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a classic Chillagoe Pub during this small-group tour limited to 19 passengers.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours 4WD Tours Likely to Sell Out

At a glance

Duration: 11 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 19 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Billy Tea Safaris

Ages: Children (4–16 years) · Adults (17–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Guided Tour with a local ranger
Included: Granite Gorge National Park and see local rock wallabies
Included: Return transfers wtih local driver guide and live commentary
Included: Morning Tea at Skybury Cafe and Roastery with tea, coffee and sweet treats
Included: Visit the Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
Included: Visit Balancing Rock and see Aboriginal Rock Art
Included: Lunch at a classic Aussie pub in Chillagoe

Not included

Not included: Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (book with reservations before travel)
Not included: Southside accommodation - please make your way to the tour operator's office to join tour.

Itinerary

Cairns

10 min

Pick up by your driver guide from the Cairns area. (Port Douglas and Northern Beaches transfers are available but for an additional cost, please book with reservations before travel and Southside accommodation - please make your way to the tour operator's office to join tour.)
Stop 2

30 min

The heart of one of Australia’s most diverse and richest food

bowls Skybury Tropical Plantation has grown the country’s best coffee and tropical fruit for the past 30 years. Enjoy morning tea, with coffee, tea and sweet treats.
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park

2 hours

Explore the Chillagoe Caves. Follow your guide through the fossilized remains of the ancient coral reefs over 400 million years old. Once an inland sea, these limestone labyrinths are a spectacular sight to see.
Chillagoe Smelters

30 min

Here we delve into the history of the Chillagoe copper smelters, whose old chimneys dominate the western horizon. We visit the remains of the once-mighty smelters to ponder what it was like working there.
Balancing Rock

one hour

Visit Balancing Rock for an iconic photo opportunity. Then, see Aboriginal Rock Art and learn about some Dreamtime stories with your guide.
Stop 6

one hour

Enjoy lunch at a true Australian Outback Pub for lunch in the heart of Chillagoe town. Please advise of any special dietary requirements before travel.
Granite Gorge Nature Park

one hour

A privately owned nature park near Mareeba with stunning scenery as you walk along the short circuit navigating massive boulders. Striking scenery and wildlife galore.

The big drawcard at Granite Gorge is the rock wallabies. This colony is an endangered species that is unique to the Mareeba area. Plus, you’ll see other native wildlife.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Mercure Cairns
Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Coral Tree Inn
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
Crystalbrook Bailey
Tyrconnel Historic Goldmine
Cairns Queenslander Hotel and Apartments
Crystalbrook Riley
The Reef Hotel Casino Cairns
Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut
Aspect Central Motel

and 51 more pickup points

Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers incur an additional cost (once booked, please book with reservations before travel). Southside accommodation - please make your way to the tour operator's office to join the tour.

Using your ticket

Please reconfirm your tour at least 24 hours prior to travel to confirm your pick up location and any special dietary requirements directly with the tour operator: PH: +61740320077.

Please note that you will need to be reasonably fit as there are stairs, some uneven ground and will take an hour to walk through the cave system at a slow pace.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Please wear closed-toe shoe and bring a light jacket or sweater in the cooler months (June - August)
A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there are steps and uneven terrain leading into the caves
Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (once booked, please book with reservations before travel)