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See outback Australia on Chillagoe tours

Chillagoe Caves - Cairns Outback Tours

Where is Chillagoe?

Chillagoe is in Northern Queensland, Australia. Chillagoe is situated 140km west of Mareeba. Chillagoe was once a thriving mining town for a range of minerals however Chillagoe now only boasts a small zinc mine and some marble quarries and it's world famous caves.

Just out of Chillagoe is the Chillagoe-Mungana Karst Caves National Park containing limestone caves.

There are between 600 and 1,000 caves in the Chillagoe-Mungana area. Chillagoe is a surprising mix of outback landscape, mining heritage, significant aboriginal art sites and fantastic world class limestone caves. Chillagoe was once a booming mining town and is now one of the favored haunts of mining buffs tracing the heady days of the 1870's to the 1920's mining boom.

Chillagoe even has its own caving club house where you can borrow caving items and stay in the accommodation overnight for a small fee.

Why should I go to visit Chillagoe Caves?

It has been stated by leading geologist Professor Ian Plimer that the Chillagoe region has the most diverse geology in the world.

Chillagoe is the Australian outback on the doorstep of Cairns - an amazing destination in a spectacular landscape spread with fantastic Karst cave systems and the debris of numerous mining ventures. Chillagoe is a haven for wildlife, with dozens of bird and animal species.

Chillagoe also has many marble mines, producing marble known for its array of beautiful colours and exported throughout the world. The township of Chillagoe is still dominated by the smelters which were built at the turn of the century by miners.

There are only a small number of mining sites in Queensland historically comparable to Chillagoe - Mount Morgan, Mount Isa, Mount Perry and Mount Elliott, and only Chillagoe retains the evidence of history of the smelting process.

The museum is another attraction in itself when visiting Chillagoe. The small local museum displays the history of Chillagoe, including: mining, smelters, caves, natural history, Aboriginal artifacts, old projectors and a mineral and marble display. Chillagoe museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

The history is not the only is not the only reason to visit Chillagoe, and it would a shame to leave without sampling some of the other Chillagoe attractions.

The limestone caves at the Chillagoe-Montana National Park, about one kilometer from the town is a fantastic walk and the caves feature spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The limestone caves in Chillagoe can only be entered as part of a tour, which are well managed and very informative.

From the Chillagoe limestone caves there's a walking track to the nearby Balancing Rock formation and some Aboriginal rock art. These Aboriginal artworks are estimated to be around 3500 years young according to the records of the Australian Museum.

The Chillagoe Caves have even revealed fossilized bones of crocodiles and extinct giant kangaroos and giant wombats in the carbonate-impregnated soils.

Another fascinating feature is 'The Archways' which is a stunning limestone cave attribute of Chillagoe. To view the Archways you will need your own vehicle and will need to travel west out of Chillagoe for 14 kilometers and you will find the amazing Archways.

Chillagoe Guided Cave Tours - Caving Tours Cairns

Park Ranger-guided tours to Donna, Trezkinn and Royal Arch Caves depart each day at 9.00 am, 11.00 am and 1.30 pm daily except Christmas Day and tickets must be purchased in advance from the information centre the Hub in Chillagoe.

Royal Arch Cave tour—1.6 km return (1.5 hrs) Grade: easy/moderate

From the Royal Arch Cave car park, about 6 km from Chillagoe central, a short 200 m walking track leads you to the cave entrance. This caving tour is a 600 m walk through passages and 11 chambers in one of the largest cave systems in Chillagoe. Now and again you will be hit with shafts of daylight that appear in between karst formations, and you will see cave dwelling bats echoing their way around the cave roof tops. The Royal Arch cave has been described by some as grand and impressive. It is a horizontal cave and probably the easiest to explore.

Time taken to explore this cave is around one hour and thirty minutes

Torches are given to everyone to add to the excitement of exploring the tall limestone karsts and enticing tunnels and to ensure you are able to see where you are walking. There are low overhangs in some places within the Royal Arch Cave so you may be have to be fit enough to stoop low in several sections.

Donna Cave-440 m return (1 hr) Grade: moderate

The Donna Cave car park is 1.8 km from Chillagoe. This cave features beautiful limestone columns, calcite crystals and a cave decoration in the form of the Madonna. During the 200 m walk through the cave, visitors are required to climb several steep flights of stairs; about 200 steps in total so make sure you are wearing the right feet attire and you are moderately fit. No need for hand held torches this spectacular cave has been fitted out with electricity.

Trezkinn Cave-590 m return (30-45 mins) Grade: moderate

From the Donna Cave car park, located 1.8 km from Chillagoe, a boardwalk leads to a shelter shed at the entrance to the cave. From here enjoy outstanding views of the Chillagoe landscape. Access to Trezkinn Cave is provided via a steel catwalk encircling a huge central mass of limestone. The walk through the cave is about 150 m long, with several steep flights of stairs. The sight of a magnificent 'chandelier' formation rewards the visitor. No need for hand held torches this cave has also been fitted out with electricity

Are You Keen To Go On A Self-Guided Cave Adventure?

Well here is your caving adventure opportunity but just make sure you are well prepared with the right caving attire, have plenty of water and torches with new batteries and you have notified someone of your journey and what time they can expect you to return.

The Archways-220 m return (30 mins) Grade: easy

This self-guided cave commences at the Mungana Archways car park. Follow the rocky trail that meanders through deciduous vine thicket as you navigate this semi-open cave and all its side passages. Wildlife is abundant here and in the green season this cave is well known for its Maiden Hair Ferns that line the walls. You will need to bring along a torch to explore this cave.

Pompeii Cave-600 m return (50 mins) Grade: difficult

Pompeii Cave can be accessed from the Donna Cave car park, 1.8 km south of Chillagoe. From the car park a well-formed track with many steps leads you to Pompeii Cave—a cleft in the rock filled with large boulders, the obvious remnants of a previous limestone collapse.

Inside this small dark cave, look for bats sleeping high in dark crevices and rock-wallabies scampering from boulder to boulder. A short but steep climb to the bottom reveals a dark passage and some attractive formations. You will need to bring along a torch to explore this cave.

Bauhinia Cave-300 m return (20 mins) Grade: difficult

Bauhinia Cave is accessed from the Donna Cave car park, 1.8 km south of Chillagoe. From the car park a short walk brings you to the entrance of Bauhinia Cave—a dark, narrow crevice requiring a steep scramble down large boulders. Look for interesting formations such as cave coral in this small cave. You will need to bring along a torch to explore this cave and you will definitely have to be fit to negotiate this one.

Location

Chillagoe is situated approximately 215 kilometers west of Cairns and approximately 140km west of Mareeba. Travel time from Cairns is approximately 2.5 hours and from Mareeba around 1.5 hours. The roads are sealed to Almaden and then the last 32 klms are made up of sealed and unsealed roads. Rent a cars can access this area during the dry season but you will need to re-asses it in the green season and you will need to check with the rent a car company if you are allowed to drive on unsealed roads.

The best way to visit the Chillagoe Caves is with a professional day tour operator like our professionally guided four wheel drive tours from Cains. You ride up high in the purpose built 4WD overland vehicle and you get to listen to the commentary about the history of all the regions that you pass thru and taken directly to all the places of interest in an interesting historical Cairns day tour.

Below are two options when self driving from Cairns or Port Douglas.

Cairns

From your Cairns accommodation make your way onto Sheridan Street and continue along the Captain Cook Highway. Continue along the highway until you reach the Smithfield roundabout, take the first exit, you will now be on the Kennedy Highway follow the range to the top and travel for approx 48 kilometers. As you approach Mareeba you will see the signs to Mareeba turn right onto Byrnes Street. From Byrnes Street turn right onto the Dimbulah-Chillagoe Road , then veer right onto the Burke Developmental Road continue along this road and for approximately 83km where you will then arrive at you destination Chillagoe.

Port Douglas

Travel along the Port Douglas Road at the intersection turn left and travel south along the Captain Cook Highway you will go past Ellis Beach and Palm Cove, continue to travel straight through all the Northern beaches roundabouts. Continue along the highway until you reach the Smithfield roundabout, take the first exit, you will now be on the Kennedy Highway follow the range to the top and travel for approx 48 kilometers. As you approach Mareeba you will see the signs to Mareeba turn right onto Byrnes Street. From Byrnes Street turn right onto the Dimbulah-Chillagoe Road , then veer right onto the Burke Developmental Road continue along this road and for approximately 83km where you will then arrive at you destination Chillagoe.

Please note there are no wheelchair facilities, but you can drive around the interpretive trails of the Chillagoe Smelters. Also please make sure you wear appropriate clothing for caving and covering uneven ground and you carry lots of water.

Guided Tours to Chillagoe

If you are after a guided tour and wish for someone else to do the driving while you enjoy the scenery why not let our professional four wheel drive guides take you on an informative day tour of Chillagoe Caves and the outback. Take a look at our Chillagoe Cave tour here.

Days of Departure:- Guided tours depart every Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays (except public holidays). With a small personalized group of 16 guests you will be sure to experience an amazing day.

First stop is in Dimbulah for a delicious morning tea and cake. Your morning will also include a caves tours followed by the smelter, lunch, balancing rock and aboriginal rock art with a final stop to feed wallabies at granite gorge.

For other great value Combo Package Tour Deals and Discounts please see here 

Chillagoe Caves & Outback Cairns | BT
  • Location: Cairns, Port Douglas (extra cost), Palm Cove & Cairns Beaches
  • Duration:

    12 hours (approx)

Courtesy pickup and return transfers from Cairns City and Northern Beaches. Ellis Beach, Thala Beach and Port Douglas will incur a extra transfer fee. First stop is Dimbulah for morning tea and cake, then a caves tour followed by the smelter, lunch, balancing rock and aboriginal rock art with a final stop to feed wallabies at granite gorge. Your day will also include one of our friendly and professional Naturalist Guide.

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Daintree Rainforest Tours | Cape Tribulation | 4WD Bloomfield Track | BT
  • Location: Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Cairns Beaches, Trinity Beach, Thala Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Clifton B
  • Duration:

    10.5 hours (approx)

Join us on our award winning Daintree rainforest jungle tours in air-conditioned custom built four wheel drive overland vehicles for a day of exploration and adventure. Small groups travel with your own personal tour guide and naturalist.

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Adhil Mohamed

16 Oct 2014

Dubai

The family saw this tour to the rainforest and said they want to book it so we booked on line in Dubai and we are very happy we did. Billy Tea driver very good information enjoyed tour greatly thank you Adhil

Amanda S

19 Sep 2012

Wales (UK)

We visited Chillagoe caves with our kids. This was our first visit to such natural caves and we all immensely enjoyed it. The guide was very informative and told us everything we needed to know about the caves and the surrounding areas. The tour also visited the Mareeba Wetlands and we saw lots of birdlife and even some emus. This was an amazing tour and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to see the outback west of Cairns.

paula cooper

06 Sep 2012

sweden

I highly recommend this tour, the Daintree was superb. I was so happy to have spotted many crocs on the Daintree River. I enjoyed my swin at Emmagen Creek with the fish.

Caiitlin Ferguson

16 Jun 2012

Melbourne

I went on the Chillagoe Caves trip and I have to say the guide was brilliant. It was a really nice change up from the tropical side of Cairns to heading inland and getting to see the outback. The caves are well worth the visit. Thanks again Billy Tea.

Danielle Gardinia

05 Mar 2012

Adelaide

I wanted a guided experience and I certainly got it. John was so friendly and he was with us for the entire day and explained everything. He even let me sit up the front as I sometimes get car sick. It was a wonderful day and I feel I really saw the rainforest in the best possible way.

Mike Donovan

21 Jan 2012

UK

Had such a pleasant day. Our guide was brilliant and I really like the crocodile cruise. nothing beats seeing them in the wild.

Bell Hopkins

26 Dec 2011

Cairns

I had an wondeful time on the trip with my husband. The swim in the creek at the end was worth every bit of the journey.

Gregory Stern

27 Nov 2011

Orlando

Fantastic Day Out! We saw lots of crocodiles on the daintree river cruise and loved the views from alexander lookout. Hightlight had to be the tropical fruit tasting with traditional tea to drink. Thank you to our driver and all the passengers on board.

Barry Cooper

07 Sep 2011

Alice Springs

Guides were so helpful, I swear that man knows everything there is to know about the rainforest.. and then some. No complaints here, I had such an excellent day on the daintree tour that I did the chillagoe trip the very next day. Barry

christina james

01 Jun 2011

Cairns

As a local I do not get out in my backyard enough so I decided that I would grab my girlfriend and get of the couch and go trekking to Cape Tribulation with Billy Tea Bush Safaris. It was an early morning start but that was ok as we did not play up the night before and we were met by our driver host for the day who had a very welcoming cheesy grin to meet us. We got to ride in the brand new overland truck in the nice comfy seats that ride up high so you can see everything. Trip to Cape Trib was informative and scenic along the way and the first activity we got into was crocodile spotting. It was our lucky day as we saw a huge male and two females on the river banks. Then it was off into the magical rainforest and boardwalks and beaches. Our host gave us lots of information we would never see or learn about if we went here by ourselves so we were fully informed about the importance of preserving our rainforests and its endangered inhabitants. We went swimming in a crystal clear creek which was freezing and tasted tropical fruits that I have never been game to buy. Great BBQ lunch a play with kangaroos and wallabies and then off for some exotic tropical fruit ice cream on the journey home. We had the best day! Thank you Billy Tea for showing us our beautiful backyard you guys do it so well and your drivers are fabulous. Well done to you!

Tracey Finegan

10 Feb 2011

Fiji

This trip, was mostly for my husband as he is a keen 4wdriver and was very excited to see the bloomfield track. But i was pleasantly suprised at just how much I enjoyed this trip. It really is for everyone. The food was of a very high standard and the guides were all very informative. The swim was my favorite, refreshing me and satisfying me for the day. Thank you billy tea safaris, for keeping us both happy.

Dawn James

24 Jan 2011

Gold Coast

We are so pleased we found this site and this tour. We spoke to the owner of the business when we booked and I am so happy we went with Billy Tea. The guide was very informative and explained everything in detail. We had a great day and learnt so much. We will recommend you to all our friends.

Blythe Rallo

19 Dec 2010

A self drive of the Daintree just did not do it for me... The Daintree and Cape Tribulation tour with Billy Tea Bush Safari's opened my eyes to how much I had missed out on during my self drive and how much more I saw while being guided! Finn, our tour guide, did an excellent job and there was nothing he couldn't answer for us in regards to the Daintree Rainforest. My Bloomfield Track photos are just stunning. We saw crocodiles on our river cruise, tasted tropical fruit, swam in Emmagen Creek and had lunch with the Kangaroos too! I am very glad I chose to travel with Billy Tea Bush Safari's.