Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
11 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The only Outback Full-Day Tour! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on this full-day tour.
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. Take a guided tour through the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park with a local ranger, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea at the local Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a classic Chillagoe Pub during this small-group tour limited to 19 passengers.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers 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 in the cooler months (June - August)
A reasonable level of fitness is required, as there are steps and uneven terrain leading into the caves
Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (once booked, please book with reservations before travel)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cairns
Pick up by your driver guide from the Cairns area. (Port Douglas and Northern Beaches transfers are available but for an additional cost, please book with reservations before travel)
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.
What‘s Included
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park Guided Tour with a local ranger
Granite Gorge National Park and see local rock wallabies
Return transfers wtih local driver guide and live commentary
Morning Tea at Skybury Cafe and Roastery with tea, coffee and sweet treats
Visit the Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
Visit Balancing Rock and see Aboriginal Rock Art
Lunch at a classic Aussie pub in Chillagoe
Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (book with reservations before travel)
Pickup points
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Standard Ticket
Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns Pickup included
Reviews
216 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The real Australia
Paul v,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It would be wrong to visit Australia without seeing the outback. Snakes, wallabys, kangeroos, Achidna, and rock wallabys all in one day. The real Australia.
Good to see but a lot of driving
T123194,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The caves were amazing to see and very interesting. We had a great stop on the way home where we could hold animals and feed wallabies which I loved. Be aware that the day involves a lot of driving (think it was around 3 hours there and back). There's not really any commentary or engagement during the drive.
It's worth going.
Anonymous,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a very valuable experience on the tour and it was a good memory. The most impressive part was the cave. It is a very mysterious place that you cannot see in Japan, and I was impressed. For caves, there are small areas, so comfortable clothing is recommended. White is better avoided. The drivers and the people who took part in the tour were all friendly and very fun. Finally, we go to an ice cream shop, which pays for itself because it is not included in the tour price. There is a wide variety of ice creams. Even if you don't speak English well, the staff will be there to help you. Travel time is long and it gets cold on the bus, so you should bring something with long sleeves.
It’s a great escape from...
Alexander H,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a great escape from the coast up to the bush (Outback). The cave is small but neat. The best part was Rowland’s commentary. That guy is a beast!
Tour is a long day but...
Bernard G,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour is a long day but well worth the time and our guide , “Row”, was fabulous, knowledgeable and did a great jog of explaining and showing us things throughout the day.
good taste of the outback
Michael B,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rowan was a terrific guide and provided lots of good info. He was an extremely careful and safe driver and an all round good guy. This is a great tour to get a feel for the outback if you are staying in Cairns. We actually decided to take this tour instead of driving out there ourselves because it looked like driving out to Chillagoe on narrow and sometimes gravel roads would be risky and also Billy Tea tours takes care of arranging the cave tour which is necessary to see the caves. The tour definitely got us more interested in life in the outback.
A long day, but is well worth the time!
astepforever,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our guide + driver Rowan! He has always kept us informed of whats going to happen when and managed our expectations. He is very knowledgeable and shared a lot of info in a fun way while he was driving. Also a very caring person. The tour itself is absoutely content rich - from caves to smelter site to rock wallabies - you have the outback of cairns packed in one day. A nice escape from the humid coastline and tourist packed city center.
Thank you!
Ashley S,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely fantastic experience! Every part of it was beautiful. The guide was incredible and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend to anyone!
Chillagoe
Allan W,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth the time, but it is a long day. All parts of the tour are excellent, tour guide & rangers are very knowledgeable
This is an amazing...
Caroline B,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an amazing experience! I had such a friendly and informative guide and the stops we made were fantastic.
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