1 Day Chillagoe & Outback Tour

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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.

Includes

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:

Highlights

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

See Map

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.

See Map

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 or New Zealand 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 require you to have a sleeping bag. If you don't have one they may be available for hire via the "join tour" button.

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?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

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 49, 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 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.

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 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?

For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour. 

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

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.

Math question (3 + 1 =) Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.