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Outback and Chillagoe Caves Tour
from $239
per person
11 hours 25 mins
Discover Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art, and wallabies on Cairns' only full-day outback and wildlife adventure.
Experience the spirit of the Australian outback on the only full-day outback tour from Cairns, exploring Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art, and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Tropical North Queensland.
Travel in a comfortable, custom-built 4WD vehicle with an expert local guide.
Begin your day with a scenic drive over the McAllister Ranges, spotting native wildlife such as emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and kangaroos along the way. Enjoy morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba before continuing into the outback.
Explore the fascinating Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park, where your local guide will reveal the geological and cultural stories behind these ancient limestone caverns. Visit the historic Chillagoe Smelter ruins, view Aboriginal rock art, and capture stunning photos at Balancing Rock.
Enjoy a classic Aussie pub lunch in a true outback town before returning via Granite Gorge, where you can meet friendly rock wallabies and enjoy the region's unique landscapes.
This small-group adventure blends natural beauty, history, and culture into one unforgettable day from Cairns.
- Transfers from Cairns
- Small-group day tour in a luxury 4WD
- Morning tea Skybury Coffee Plantation with local coffee or tea, and a snack
- Aussie Outback pub lunch in Chillagoe
- Guided National Parks Chillagoe Cave tour
- National Park Fees
- Entry/Admission to Granite Gorge
- Travel off the beaten track down exclusive 4WD backroads
- Spot kangaroos, emus, wallabies, wedge-tail eagles (wildlife galore!)
- Visit the Balancing Rock for a photo opportunity
- See some Aboriginal Rock Art and learn about local Dreamtime stories
- Visit the Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
- Explore the famous Chillagoe Caves with a local expert guide who will share stories and local history of the area
- Find fossils in ancient limestone casts at Chillagoe
- Visit the wallabies at Granite Gorge and see local wildlife
- Pass through historic mining ghost towns & small outback communities
Start: Cairns QLD 4870
What to bring:
Hat, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries, water bottle, extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or ice cream.
What to wear:
As we are in a tropical environment, wear comfortable clothes and flat closed shoes. No thongs (flip flops) and no high heels. If you do not have closed-in shoes you may not be allowed in the Caves due to safety reasons and the decision of National Parks. In winter you will need to take a light coat.
Conditions:
Child rates apply for 4-16 years. Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge. Family rates apply for 2 adults and 2 children 4-16 years. Billy Tea Safaris will provide Baby Seats or Booster Seats please advise upon booking, all children up to the age of 7 years.
Please note: itineraries may be changed, operate in a different order or some destinations may not be reached at the discretion of Billy Tea Safaris guide on the day due to weather, possible road closures and for the safety of all passengers. All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation. We can cater for vegetarians and most other requirements, within reason if they are medical.
Please note you are touring to a remote location and having lunch at an outback pub, so there is not a big selection. You will need to be reasonably fit as there are stairs, and some uneven ground and will take an hour to walk through the cave system at a slow pace. There are a few confined spaces you will need to go through during the cave tour. If you do not like really confined spaces, please notify the local guide. children are welcome on this tour. Prams and strollers are not permitted into the caves, so the children will need to be able to walk or you will need to carry them.
The cave tour will take at least an hour and there are stairs and uneven ground. (Please note this is a 12-hour day so take this into consideration when taking children on this tour - booster seats provided). Unfortunately due to the narrow passages, steps and elevated platforms of the Chillagoe Caves, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair or walking disabilities.
Not included:
Port Douglas transfers for the Outback Tour are an additional cost (min. 2 people). Northern Beaches transfers for the Outback Tour are an additional cost.
Northern Beaches accommodation: this is an additional cost of $29pp. International
Coaches will pick you up at approximately 06:45 and transfer you to Canopys Edge Bus Stop in Smithfield where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. This is included in your ticket. You will be returned to Canopys Edge Bus Stop in Smithfield at approximately 18:30 where you will be picked up by International Coaches for your return back to the Northern Beaches.
Port Douglas accommodation: this is an additional cost of $99pp (minimum of 2 people). International Coaches will pick you up between 06:00 - 06:15 and transfer you to the bottom of the Kuranda range where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. Returns between 19:00 - 19:30.
