1 Day Chillagoe & Outback Tour
Join us as we embark on the only full day outback tour from Cairns! Includes Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal Rock Art, Granite Gorge, Wallabies, Skybury Cafe, Outback Pub and more!
Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other highlights of Tropical North Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns.
- Experience & Knowledgable Guides
- Small-group Adventure
- Morning Tea at Coffee Plantation
- Local coffee or tea, and a snack
- Spot kangaroos, emus, wallabies
- Visit the Balancing Rock
- Learn local Dreamtime stories
- Visit Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
- Famous Chillagoe Caves
- Search for fossils
- Aussie Outback lunch
- Historic mining ghost towns
- Accommodation Transfers
- Luxury 4WD Transport
- Trip length:
- 1 Day
- Group size:
- Max 21
- Start:
- Cairns
- End:
- Cairns
- Vehicle:
- Luxury 4WD
- Sleep:
- NA
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Your 4WD experience through the Aussie Outback from Cairns!
Courtesy pick up and drop off (note Port Douglas is an additional cost). Board the custom-built 4WD vehicle and travel spotting wallabies, emus, and other wildlife and then along the agricultural paddocks of this fertile area, where you will have a chance to see, Paw Paw, Lychee, Longen, Mangoes, just to name a few eventually crossing over the Great Divide and into the Western watershed, we are now in the Australian Outback.
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 at Granite Gorge National Park and have time to explore this National Park before making your way home.
Please note: itineraries may be changed, operate in a different order or some destinations may not be reached at the discretion of Billy Tea Safaris guide on the day due to weather, possible road closures and for the safety of all passengers.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun
- Shorts and T Shirts
- Comfortable shoes or sandles
- Swimwear and Towel
- Hat and sunglasses
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera
- Diving gear such as snorkles etc ( at own leisure )
What is included
- Courtesy pick-up and drop-off (note: Port Douglas additional cost)
- Accredited driver-guide for the day
- Morning Tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation with coffee or tea and a morning tea snack
- Guided National Parks Chillagoe Cave tour
- National Park Fees covered for all sites: Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, Aboriginal Rock Art, Balancing Rock, Chillagoe-Mungana Caves
- Entry/Admission to Granite Gorge to see wallabies
- Travel in an air-conditioned custom-built 4WD vehicle
- Lunch at an Aussie pub
- Booster seats for children if required (please note at the time of booking)
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
For all camping tours in the Northern Territory you will need a sleeping bag. The Northern Territory can get very cold at night, especially during the months of June and July. If you don't have one then they are available for hire. Please refer to the "What to bring" section of the tour page for pricing.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended.
Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
If you are using Telstra as your mobile service provider than most likely yes! Their coverage of Australia is quite extensive so you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
Definitely! Just choose an existing itinerary or destination and contact us we can help you arrange the trip as a private tour.
If your looking for a customised itinerary we can tailor make a tour to suit your requirement.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip. Our team can help you decide on destinations best suits your needs and give you additional information on the best time to visit, cultural expectations, weather conditions and so fourth.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself.
If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb we generally say AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible.
Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?
Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 45, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore Australia and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
How many people will be on tour?
Group sizes vary from tour to tour. You can find the size of your group by checking out information at the top right hand corner of the tour page. Group sizes range of 5 - 24 people.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Cost and Fees
What does "Paid Locally" mean?
Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
Where do I meet the tour?
Our tour guide picks up from all major hotels and hostels. For pick locations in suburban or rural areas please contact us to arrange a meeting point and time.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
Definitely - We know Australia inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations.
Can you cater of special diets?
We can certain cater for most dietary needs. Please advise us at the time of your booking so arrangements can be made. For travellers with more extreme diets we may ask that you bring along additional snacks.