Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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)

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Standard Ticket

Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip from Cairns
Pickup included

Reviews

4.76

200 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

167

Great tour and unique...
Adi B,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour and unique experience. Joanne was great in the caves! Something different to do in Cairns.
"Long distance" to Chillengoe
andrew i,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
- Hi. Without being negative, long vehicle travel 250km yours, for 40min in tears. Sure it was interesting to see the tablelands environment. A little overcharged, I thought. Otherwise nice company o the driver Mark, o the cave guide, Jo. Lunch was ok. Burger and chips. Andrew
Worth it!
Adam F,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a long day but had plenty of stops to break things up with lots of greats sights. The tour guide was super knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating.
Outstanding tour
Mary D,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rowan was absolutely wonderful! This tour went into the Outback with stops at Chillagoe Caves and an old mining site. His enthusiasm and love of what he was doing and showing us made this a top notch tour. He made this tour a delight and I wish I could book all my tours with him. Definitely worth it. The caves were amazing and the rock wallabies were so cute!
Great way to see another side of Cairns
R479RRhayleyp,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such an awesome day out with Billy Tea Safaris! The whole tour was really well put together and ran super smoothly. The 4WD was comfy and air-conditioned, which made the long drives really easy. Our guide Rohan was amazing, so friendly and full of knowledge about the history, wildlife and Aboriginal culture. He kept the day interesting and fun, and even gave us some great tips for Cairns that were absolutely spot on! The highlights for us were definitely exploring the Chillagoe Caves, seeing ans feeding the adorable rock wallabies at Granite Gorge. This tour is such a unique way to see the diversity of Far North Queensland, it really does pack a lot into one day without feeling rushed. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience both the natural beauty and rich culture of the outback from Cairns.
The trip was really well...
Aaron G,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The trip was really well planned. Lots of driving but broken up with good stops along the way. Good to see something different from the rest of the Cairns experiences.
An enjoyable day tour.
Dan1969Lim,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
While the overall trip was interesting, and the weather good, I felt that a little time could be spent at the smelting plant. The ruins looked interesting, and even a 15-min chance to explore the place will be good. Besides this, the visit to the caves, balancing rock was quite interesting. The rock wallabies at the end was a nice stop. It was enjoyable, and our guide, Daniel, was great with his commentary.
Quite a lot of distance...
Sarah A,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Quite a lot of distance travelled on this tour but there are plenty of breaks. The caves were huge and you had a pleasant drop in temperature. Enjoyed lunch just a burger but a nice one. AJ our guide was very entertaining and informative. Overall a good day.
What a great day out!
K9995NDmarkb,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Pick up was on time AJ the driver/guide was a great guy and very knowledgible and interesting on all things during the trip. The 1st stop for coffee and scones was excellent and in a very nice setting. The caves were amazing Mick the local guide was excellent and knew his stuff. We then went to balancing rock and aboriginal wall art short walk here no drama . we then stopped for a pub lunch no complaints here either. We also stopped at an old pub for refreshments and then onto the granite gorge to feed the wallaby all enjoyed this event., the truck was comfotable with great air con .All in all a great day out, thanks to AJ for making it so good!
This is a long day trip...
Steven T,
Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a long day trip but worth it. Our guide Rowan was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip, explaining the transition from tropical coast through mountain rainforest to outback territory. The trip starts well with tea and scones at Skybury. Chillagoe Caves are excellent even though there is only time to see a fraction of them. The ex mine and smelter works are very interesting though it is a shame such a scar has been left on the beautiful outback landscape. Balancing rock is amazing then to finish the lovely rock wallabies at Granite Gorge. A very interesting trip.