Chillagoe Caves and Outback Day Trip: Explore Australia's Natural and Historic Gems from Cairns

Embark on a full-day adventure from Cairns to explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge, and other natural and historic gems of the Australian Outback. Discover the region’s wildlife, history, and Aboriginal culture while enjoying morning tea at a local coffee plantation and lunch at a 100-year-old pub. Limited to 14 people for a personalized experience.

Duration: 11 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Cairns - Your driver guide will pick you up from the Cairns area. Transfers from Port Douglas and Northern Beaches are available at an additional cost; please book with reservations before traveling.
  • Skybury Cafe & Roastery - Located in the heart of one of Australia’s most diverse and rich food bowls, Skybury Tropical Plantation has been…
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 with 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
What's Not Included
  • Port Douglas & Northern Beaches transfers additional cost (book with reservations before travel)
Additional Information

Experience the ultimate Outback Full-Day Tour! Discover the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge, and other treasures of the Australian Outback on this comprehensive day trip.
Accompanied by a naturalist guide, journey in a 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range, and the Australian Outback, all while enjoying insightful commentary…

Location
Cairns
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(191 Ratings)
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Steven_t
Jul 31, 2025
This is a long day trip... - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Anna_b
Jul 30, 2025
Interesting day out, away from crowds - Great tour with Rowan into the unknown. Real Australia, far from the popular tourist spots l. Chillagoe Caves tour with ranger Ash was amazing. Coffee plantation and breakfast just right. Lunch at a proper Ausdie outback pub was spot on. Afternoon walks to old copper smelting works, interesting rock formations and to feed Rock Wallabies all lovely. Really diverse. Vehicle much comfier than expected. Really enjoyed all of it. If you want something different, fo this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Christinala772im
Jul 17, 2025
A time to relax, breathe and enjoy. - Rowan was an excellent tour guide. He delivered interesting and informative information which was excellent. He took great care of everyone. I loved the quiet of this tour- time to think and relax without the hustle and bustle of a lot of tourists. The caves were well worth seeing as were the Atherton Tablelands - different terrain. Excellent tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Urbananomads
Jul 12, 2025
Experience the Outback! - We definitely felt like we experienced the Outback! There was a nice mix of activities with the caves (we saw bats, toads, and spiders), rock art and hikes, and authentic Aussie pub. Or favorite was the stop to visit with the rock wallabies!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Giselle_h
Jul 10, 2025
Great tour, amazing... - Great tour, amazing sights made fantastic by our friendly and knowledgeable guide & driver Rohan. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_s
Jun 25, 2025
Just do it! - Fantastic. Pickup was on time. Rowan the driver and guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable. He tells you about the day up front which was nice. The food stops were great. Then the sights were awesome and feeding the wallabies was simply the best. It’s literally all day but worth it. The cave tour with the park ranger was very unique and he was also very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Louise_m
Jun 23, 2025
Definitely try this tour :) - it was really good and informative. Our guide Michael was very knowledgable and helpful. I mentioned to him at our first stop that I was vision impaired but would let him know if I needed any assistance and he was super supportive and helpful. Gary the National Parks guide at the caves was also amazing, and I was able to do my own thing without feeling like an invalid or incapable, they were just great. The sights were really interesting, the highlight was definitely the wallabies at granite gorge right at the end of the day in terms of experiences, but also the hike at Balancing Rock was challenging but rewarding. If you are low vision and use a cane with some vision, would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Johnson
Jun 11, 2025
Cave, wallabies, and Excellent professional driver/guide for our trip on 6/11/25 - Our driver provided a thorough detailed description on the background of northern Queensland during the drive into the outback and made this trip both educational and interesting. The wallaby feeding was also very special and great fun for our child.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kushan_b
Jun 10, 2025
Tour with kids - Awesome trip and Mark was a great guide! We traveled with a 3 year old and 6 year old and the tour made things super easy for us. The only thing I would recommend is to bring some entertainment if you plan on doing this with kids as the drive is long between destinations.
Review provided by Viator
J4187oksusanc
Jun 23, 2025
A lot of car time - The trip was well-planned out. You get to go into a cave system, take a quick hike to see a balancing rock, and stop to interact with wild wallabies. Breakfast and lunch were great, but I don’t know if I’d book it again now knowing that it’s about five hours in the car with some long stints. It’s more time in the car than not. Our tour guide was very nice and the vehicle was clean and had enough space.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $156
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).