From Cairns: Chillagoe Caves and Outback Full-Day Tour
Atherton Tablelands, Cairns
Journey back in history to spectacular outback landscapes, ancient coral reefs, limestone caves and Granite Gorge. See an array of birdlife and wildlife, and visit the Smelters and Chillagoe Caves.
Explore the Chillagoe Caves and surrounding Outback in Far North Queensland on a guided day tour suitable for nature and history enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Explore the famous Chillagoe Caves with a local expert guide
- Admire fossilized remains of ancient coral reefs dating back 400 million years
- Visit Chillagoe Copper Smelters and Aboriginal Rock Art sites
- See rock wallabies at Granite Gorge Nature Park
- Enjoy morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation
Description
Join a licensed naturalist guide for a full-day Outback tour from Cairns in an air-conditioned 4WD. The tour begins with a morning tea stop at Skybury Coffee Plantation, featuring light snacks and the option to browse the gift shop.
Travel west through the McAllister Ranges and Mareeba town, continuing to Chillagoe while learning about the region's wildlife, history, and Aboriginal culture. Explore the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park with an expert guide, including cave walks involving steps and uneven terrain.
Visit Balancing Rock for photos, view Aboriginal rock art, and see the remnants of the Chillagoe Copper Smelters. Lunch is served at a local pub in Chillagoe town. Afterward, visit Granite Gorge Nature Park to observe wild rock wallabies and other native wildlife before returning to Cairns.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (within Cairns)
- Naturalist guide
- Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
- Morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation
- Aussie pub lunch
- Guided tour of Chillagoe Caves National Park
- Visit to Balancing Rock
- See Aboriginal rock art
- Visit to Chillagoe Copper Smelters
- Visit Granite Gorge and encounter rock wallabies
- National park fees
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks at lunch
- Transfers for Southside Cairns accommodation (guests must travel to the activity provider's office)
Important Information
- A reasonable level of fitness is required due to steps and uneven ground inside caves
- Tour itinerary may change or cancel due to wet season weather affecting road and cave access
- Minimum 2 passengers required for the tour to operate; cancellations possible if minimum not met
- Southside Cairns accommodation guests must make their own way to the tour departure point at 287 Draper Street, Parramatta Park, Cairns
- If pickup is outside Cairns, contact reservations to confirm pickup details; additional charges may apply or guests can start from the tour office
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book early for preferred dates and bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. The best time to visit is during the dry season when weather conditions are more stable.
