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Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

4.8 (140)

Cairns, AU

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Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Australian Outback on the Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns. This is the only full-day tour that takes you deep into the heart of the outback, allowing you to explore the stunning Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park and discover the ancient coral reefs that have been fossilized for over 400 million years. Immerse yourself in the region's wildlife, history, and Aboriginal culture as you traverse the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range, and the vast Australian Outback. Enjoy morning tea at the renowned Skybury Coffee Plantation and savor a delicious lunch at a 100-year-old Chillagoe Pub. Get up close and personal with native wildlife at Granite Gorge, including the endangered rock wallabies that are unique to the Mareeba area. This small-group tour ensures an intimate and unforgettable experience, limited to just 14 people. Get ready for an adventure unlike any other!

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
11 hours 30 minutes
Suitable for 1-10 Participants
Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Explore the ancient Chillagoe Caves
Discover Aboriginal Rock Art and Dreamtime stories
Enjoy morning tea at Skybury Tropical Plantation
Have lunch at a classic 100-Year-Old Aussie Pub
Spot unique rock wallabies at Granite Gorge

Included

Granite gorge national park and see wallabies
Morning tea at skybury cafe and roastery
Return transfers wtih local driver guide and live commentary
Chillagoe-mungana caves national park tour
Visit balancing rock and see aboriginal rock art
Lunch at a 100-year-old aussie pub
Chillagoe smelter ruins

Not included

Port douglas & northern beaches transfers additional cost (contact reservations)

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate Australian Outback adventure! Join us on the Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns, the only full-day tour that takes you deep into the heart of the Australian Outback. Get ready to be amazed as you explore the fascinating Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, discover historic mining towns, and marvel at ancient coral reefs that are over 400 million years old.

What to expect?

During this 690-minute tour, you can anticipate a diverse range of experiences and breathtaking sights. Follow your expert naturalist guide through the labyrinth of the Chillagoe Caves, where you'll witness fossilized remains of ancient coral reefs. Explore the fascinating history of Chillagoe copper smelters and be transported back in time. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture as you learn about Dreamtime stories and admire Aboriginal rock art. Enjoy lunch at a classic 100-year-old Aussie pub and leave your mark on its walls. And don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the endangered rock wallabies and other native wildlife along the way.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the Australian Outback. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this tour has something for everyone. The small-group setting, limited to 14 people, ensures a personalized and immersive experience for all participants.

Why book this?

Embark on this extraordinary journey and discover the hidden treasures of the Australian Outback. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the region's wildlife, history, and Aboriginal culture. From exploring ancient caves to standing in awe of the magnificent Balancing Rock, every moment of this tour is filled with wonder and adventure. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Outback, create lasting memories, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the natural wonders of Australia.

Good to know

Before you embark on this unforgettable adventure, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. The tour includes morning tea at the picturesque Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a century-old Outback pub. Vegetarian options are available, and additional refreshments can be purchased at your own cost. Please note that some parts of the tour involve walking on uneven terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything else so you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Australian Outback.

Reviews

Previous participants have consistently praised the Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip as a highlight of their Australian adventure. They rave about the knowledgeable guides, incredible landscapes, and the chance to explore hidden corners of the Outback that few tourists get to see. Many reviewers mention their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with Aboriginal culture and learn about Dreamtime stories. Overall, the tour receives glowing reviews for its well-planned itinerary, friendly guides, and the remarkable beauty of the Chillagoe Caves and surrounding areas. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and see for yourself why this tour is a must-do when visiting Cairns.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Billy Tea Safaris

pick up from the Cairns area

Skybury Cafe & Roastery

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

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

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

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

Post Office Hotel

Enjoy lunch at a true Australian Outback Pub built back at the turn of the century! Burgers, Fish & Chips and Vegetarian meals are available and refreshments at own cost. Mingle with the locals and leave a handwritten message on the wall of this classic 100-Year-Old Aussie Pub.

Granite Gorge Nature Park

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.

Additional information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Participants 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
A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there are steps and uneven terrain leading into the caves

Reviews

(140)

4.8 (140)

Sophie_K

Had a really great time on this tour. Although, I went by myself and the trip was really informative about the outback and Australia in general. Gavin did a fantastic job, had great energy and was able to share with us his personal stories, connections to the Aboriginal peoples, flora and fauna. He also took the time to play us some modern Australian music, providing a deeper understanding of modern Australia culture. They are all part of my Spotify playlist now! Had a great time and would really recommend to anyone spending some time in Cairns. It is a long day trip, but the sights were the most beautiful- and it did truly feel like something different and exciting to do in the area.

Dawn_R

This was a great day! We made many stops to view and experience the diverse landscapes and culture. Starting the day at a coffee plantation was Beautiful and set the tone for the excitement and beauty ahead of us. Andy, our driver and guide, was fabulous and so in tune with his community. I’d love to take another tour with him. He’s patient and reliable.

Khuan_J

We started off with breakfast at Skybury cafe which was great. Then we went to explore a cave followed by lunch. Smelter was next then balancing rock and rock art. Lastly was granite gorge park to feed wallaby. They were so cute! We enjoyed this tour so much with our driver guide Ro. He’s easily one of the best around. He looks after everyone. Thank you.

Eva S

It was a long day, we enjoyed the drive through the changeing spectacular landscape. Our driver Mark was a very competent driver, but we would have liked more information. This also applies to the cave tour. The morning tea at the coffee plantation's restaurant was excellent, a short tour of the plantation and opportunity for photos of the coffee bushes, and en route of avocado and mango trees would have rounded it up. However, the drive to the caves is a long distance, and we realise that you can't pack everything into the one day.

les_e

Gavin from Billy Tea Safaris was the guide to be with. Excellent commentary, humour and music play list. The caves are fantastic experience and the local topography interesting and diverse. A great tour across the ranges, tablelands into the arid outback.

Martina_F

The tour was very well organized, with lots of activities. The guide (Dave) was very passionate about his job and his explanation were really great. Food was also amazing. Really hurry up booking this tour!

Terese_W

The full package great spots good fellow passages and an excellent driver and commentary. Thanks Gavin.✅✅✅✅✅

Sean_P

It was an amazing experience that exceeded my expectations. We went to the caves and saw lots of bats, cave formations, and even a toad. We stopped for fresh locally grown coffee, and got to feed wild Rock Wallabys that were very friendly. We also saw Kangaroos, Wallabys, and a Monitor Lizard beside the road, and the guide pulled over every time so we could get a good look. Despite the long bus ride, I 100% recommended it.

N9938FAaliciat

Great trip! Mark was a great guide, we got to see the caves, bush outback and some local stops including wallaby's. We really enjoyed it! Note that this is definitely a trip to the bush outback (still grass, trees, etc), and not the flat barren desert outback.

Helena_T

Such an interesting day trip! While yes there's a lot of time spent travelling because of the distances it's absolutely worth it. You get to see a really different side of Australia to most of the trips leaving from Cairns and the caves were spectacular! Roh was a fab guide, super informative and entertaining and feeding so many wallabies at the end was an added bonus. Thank you!

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2024-07-01 05:07