Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Chillagoe Caves & Outback Tour
What time does the tour start and end?
Pickups from the Southside Accommodation 6.40 am, Cairns CBD is 6.50 – 7.00am, Northern Beaches 6.45am, Port Douglas are at 6.00 – 6.15am. Returning time Port Douglas at approx 7.00 – 7.30 pm, Northern Beaches 6.30 – 7.00 pm, Cairns City 6.30 – 7.00pm. Please note all times are approximate. Also please note that there are additional transfer fee for the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas area.
How many people will be in the vehicle?
Our vehicles take 13, 14 & 16 passengers only. Small personalised numbers.
Can we do a private charter?
Private charters are available with personalised itineraries and price on application.
What do I need to take?
Please take Hat, Sunscreen, Camera, extra batteries & memory cards Water bottle, extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or an ice-cream.
What do I wear?
Comfortable clothes as you are in the tropics, and the outback in winter you will need to take a light coat. Flat comfortable shoes closed in. No thongs and ladies no high heels as there is uneven ground and you will be in the outback and they aren’t allowed to be worn in the Caves.
What does Billy Tea provide?
We provide Morning Tea, which is a Tea / Coffee and Biscuits at the Mareeba Wetlands and a 20 minute guided cruise on the wetlands. This may change to Granite Gorge in the wet season when the wetlands are closed due to flooding. Guided National Parks cave tour, Custom built 4WD vehicles, experienced accredited guides, delicious Pub Lunch. We also stop at the Australian Coffee Centre or Skybury, (afternoon tea is at own expense here) If the weather is wet we also provide Rain Ponchos. Itineraries may be changed or run in reverse at the discretion of Billy Tea Safaris.
What if I have dietary requirements?
All dietary requirements must be notified at time of reservation, we can cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason.
Where do we go?
We head west via the Kuranda Range and Kennedy Highway, through the back blocks via Biboorha to Mareeba Wetlands, through private property 4WD tracks Wetlands and Skybury, through Lappa Junction, Almaden, Petford, and into Chillagoe. Visit the Chillagoe Smelters and historical sites, Lunch at a true outback Australian Pub, a guided tour through the ancient Limestone caves of Chillagoe, Australian Coffee Centre and then homeward journey back to Cairns.
Is the tour wheelchair / disabled friendly?
Unfortunately due to the Chillagoe Caves system with narrow passages, steps and elevated platforms this tour is not suitable for wheelchair or walking disabilities.
