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Chillagoe Caves & Outback Day Trip from Cairns

Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day tour from Cairns. 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. Tour Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea and a pub lunch during this small-group tour limited to 16 people.

What makes it Great:

• Includes morning tea, lunch, park admission fees, and cave tour
• Travel in an air-conditioned 4-wheel drive vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off provided from Cairns
• Small-group tour limited to 16 people

Inclusions:

• Local guide
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Lunch at an Aussie pub
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• National Park Cave and Smelter Tour
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (Cairns area only)
• Tropical Fruit Tasting
• Entry/Admission - Granite Gorge Nature Park
• Entry/Admission - Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
• Entry/Admission - Skybury Cafe & Roastery

Departure times & locations
We offer courtesy hotel pickup from Cairns & Northern Beaches. (note Port Douglas pickup is an additional cost).

• Southside accommodation: pick up 6.40am, return 6.30pm - 7pm
• Cairns City accommodation: pick up between 6.45am – 7am, return 6.30pm - 7pm
• Northern Beaches accommodation: International Coaches will pick you up approximately 6.45am 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 approximately 6.30pm 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 $87 per person (minimum of 2 people). International Coaches will pick you up between 6am - 6.15am and transfer you to the bottom of the Kuranda range where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. Returns between 7pm - 7.30pm.

Please ensure you are on time for your hotel pickup! If you are not on time, you may miss your pickup which will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Please note all times are approximate.

Your day at a glance:

Stop 1: Skybury Coffee Plantation for Morning Tea - enjoy a coffee or tea and a morning snack (such as scones, jam and cream, and tropical fruit) while enjoying the balcony views.

Stop 2: Private local ranger-guided Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Tour - take a step back in time and be inspired by the knowledge of your guide as he explains about the fossilized remains of the ancient coral reefs some 400 - 420 million years old, with hidden limestone labyrinths give a portal to a lost world just like our own Great Barrier Reef. This was once the inland sea. Millions of years in the making, the limestone formations and Chillagoe-Munagana Caves are nothing short of spectacular.

Stop 3: Chillagoe Smelter Ruins - 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.

Stop 4: Aussie lunch at Chillagoe's 100-year-old pub - a true Australian Outback Pub built back at the turn of the century! There is time to visit the unique gift shop in Chillagoe specialising in Chillagoe marble and local Aboriginal art.

Stop 5: Visit Balancing Rock for an iconic photo opportunity!

Stop 6: See Aboriginal Rock Art and learn about some Dreamtime stories.

Stop 7: Visit Granite Gorge to see the wallabies - get up close and personal with these local rock wallabies, after you have explored Granite Gorge National Park you will get to enjoy a tropical fruit tasting prepared by your guide before making your way home.

Please note: itineraries may be changed.

Travelling with children
Children of all ages are welcome & must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged up to 15 years may pay the child price. 

Family Friendly
We offer special rates for familes. Please check the booking for form for up to date family pricing.

Things To Bring

• Comfortable clothing
• Please wear closed-toe shoes
• A light jacket or sweater
• Water bottle
• Swimmers & towel
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Camera
• Money for Ice cream (Subject to time)

Addtional Info

• A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there are steps and uneven terrain leading into the caves
• Not wheelchair or stroller accessible

Booking Info

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking. If you require hotel transfers please have your hotel name ready when booking so we can send you a pick-up time with your confirmation.

Instant Booking & Mobile Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure you spot on Chillagoe Caves & Outback Day Trip from Cairns. Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.

About Billy Tea Safaris

Billy Tea Safaris is a true local company, having been locally owned and operated for over 36 years! As an Advanced Eco-Certified tour company, we operate small personalised day tours in custom-built 4WD vehicles with accredited local guides to the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation, Outback & Chillagoe Caves & the Cairns & Tablelands. Our 4WD vehicles are custom-built for passenger comfort and to withstand some of the ruggedness required in the areas that we operate. The vehicles are high clearance which means when conditions are wet we can still get through, extra-large viewing windows, spacious seats, extra legroom for maximum customer comfort. 

We offer courtesy hotel pickup from Cairns & Northern Beaches. (note Port Douglas pickup is an additional cost).