Discover Chillagoe Caves and Tropical North Queensland on a guided full-day outback tour from Cairns. Travel by air-conditioned 4WD, visit Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba, explore Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves, see Aboriginal rock art, historic mining towns, Balancing Rock, Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, and meet wallabies at Granite Gorge. Includes lunch at an Outback pub.
Key Highlights
Journey through the McAllister Ranges spotting native bush birds and wildlife
Morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba
Guided exploration of Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park
Visit to historic mining towns and Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
See Balancing Rock and Aboriginal rock art sites
Encounter wallabies at Granite Gorge
Enjoy lunch at an authentic Aussie Outback pub
What’s included
Accredited guide
Travel in custom-built air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
Morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation
Guided Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves tour
Visit to Granite Gorge
Lunch at an Outback pub
Overview
Experience a full-day outback adventure from Cairns, exploring the Chillagoe Caves and remarkable destinations across Tropical North Queensland. You will travel in a custom-built air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, guided by a friendly, accredited local expert.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive up the McAllister Ranges, where you can spot bush birds such as emus, wedge-tail eagles, squatter pigeons, kangaroos, and frilled neck lizards. Stop for a morning tea break at the renowned Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba.
Continue towards Chillagoe, listening to informative commentary about the region's rich wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture. Explore the Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park with a local guide, visit historic mining towns and small outback communities, and see the impressive Chillagoe Smelter Ruins and Balancing Rock for memorable photo opportunities.
Learn about Aboriginal rock art before visiting Granite Gorge, where you can observe wallabies in their natural habitat. A hearty lunch at an Aussie Outback pub completes your authentic outback experience.
Commonly asked questions.
For the Outback Tour, you will need to be reasonably fit as there are stairs, some uneven ground and will take an hour to walk through the cave system at a slow pace.
Please note that the 4WD busses will be travelling along uneven roads at times. If you have serious back problems, please speak with our reservations team to ensure you are placed towards the front of the vehicle to ensure you are comfortable.
No, due to the remoteness of the area we can not provide WiFi in our vehicles. This may also mean limited mobile reception throughout the day as well.
Hat, sunscreen, a camera with extra batteries & memory cards, water bottle, towel and swimming costume (if you plan to swim), insect repellent, extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or an ice-cream, raincoat in our rainy season or umbrella.
Our vehicles take 16 to 20 passengers only. We keep our numbers small to create a more personalised day tour experience.
As we are in a tropical environment, please wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes or sandals. In our winter months (July to August) you may wish to take a light coat/jacket. No thongs (flip flops) or high heels as there can be uneven ground at times.
Please advise of any special dietary requirements and please reconfirm with reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel. We will do our best to accommodate where we can.
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.
Yes, children are welcome on our day tours from 4 to 16 years of age. We do not cater for children 0-3 years. Prams and strollers are not permitted into the Chillagoe 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 the Outback Tour is a 12-hour day, so consider this when taking children on this tour.)
Additional info by the operator.
Start: Cairns QLD 4870
Location: Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, Granite Gorge, Skybury Coffee Plantation, McAllister Ranges, Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park, Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, Balancing Rock.
Primary Activity: Guided exploration of natural, cultural and historic sites by 4WD tour.
