Tour Overview

Billy Tea Safaris offers the only Full Day Outback Tour from Cairns!

Experience a completely different side of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day Chillagoe Caves & Outback Tour from Cairns.

Travel deep into the Australian Outback in a custom-built 4WD vehicle, exploring ancient limestone caves, historic mining towns, Aboriginal rock art and rugged outback landscapes far beyond the reef and rainforest.

Led by experienced local guides, this small-group adventure takes you off the beaten track through remote communities, unique geological formations and iconic outback scenery, with highlights including the famous Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge wallabies and an authentic Aussie pub lunch.

Perfect for travellers wanting to experience one of Tropical North Queensland’s most unique and lesser-known destinations in a single unforgettable day.

Tour Highlights

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Prices

Please be aware there is a 24-hour cancellation policy of 100% cancellation fee. No exceptions.
If you fail to load there is also a 100% cancellation fee applies. No exceptions.
Please check our Terms and Conditions for Cancellation Fees.

PRIVATE CHARTER RATES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

Prices valid from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Who is this tour for?

This tour is perfect for travellers wanting to experience a different side of Tropical North Queensland beyond the reef and rainforest.

Ideal for:

• Adventure travellers
• Wildlife and nature lovers
• History and geology enthusiasts
• Travellers looking for unique day trips from Cairns
• Visitors wanting an authentic Australian Outback experience

Itinerary

Your Chillagoe Outback Itinerary

Travel deep into the Australian Outback on a full-day 4WD adventure from Cairns, exploring ancient caves, historic towns and rugged outback landscapes along the way.

Stop 1: Skybury Coffee Plantation
Enjoy morning tea overlooking the beautiful outback scenery at Skybury Coffee Plantation before continuing your journey west into Outback Queensland.

Stop 2: Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
Explore the famous Chillagoe limestone caves on a ranger-guided tour through ancient rock formations, hidden chambers and spectacular underground landscapes formed over millions of years.

Stop 3: Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
Discover the fascinating history of Chillagoe’s mining past as you explore the remains of the once-thriving copper smelters that helped shape the region.

Stop 4: Aussie Outback Pub Lunch
Enjoy a classic Australian pub lunch at the iconic Chillagoe Hotel and soak up the authentic outback atmosphere.

Stop 5: Balancing Rock
Stop at the famous Balancing Rock for a unique photo opportunity surrounded by rugged outback scenery.

Stop 6: Aboriginal Rock Art
Visit culturally significant Aboriginal rock art sites and learn about the region’s Indigenous history and Dreamtime stories.

Stop 7: Granite Gorge & Wallabies
Visit Granite Gorge Nature Park, where you may spot local rock wallabies and native wildlife before returning to Cairns.

Please note: Tour itineraries may be operated in a different order or adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or operational requirements to ensure guest safety and the best possible experience on the day.

Ready to experience the Australian Outback from Cairns?

Discover ancient caves, rugged landscapes, wildlife and authentic outback history on one unforgettable small-group adventure with Billy Tea Safaris.

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FAQs

Chillagoe Tour from Cairns – Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start and end?

• Cairns City accommodation: pick up between 6.45am – 7am, return 6.30pm - 7pm
• Northern Beaches accommodation: additional costs apply, see check-out. International Coaches will pick you up approximately 6.45am and transfer you to Canopys Edge Bus Stop in Smithfield where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. This is included in your ticket. You will be returned to Canopys Edge Bus Stop in Smithfield approximately 6.30pm where you will be picked up by International Coaches for your return back to the Northern Beaches.
• Port Douglas accommodation: additional costs apply, see check-out (minimum of 2 people). International Coaches will pick you up between 6am - 6.15am and transfer you to the bottom of the Kuranda range where you will be picked up by your Billy Tea guide. Returns between 7pm - 7.30pm.

Please ensure you are on time for your hotel pickup! If you are not on time, you may miss your pickup which will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Please note all times are approximate.

Cancellation Policy:
Customers can cancel their trip up to 18 hours before travel for a full refund (2 pm the day prior to travel). If you cancel within the 18-hour period before travel, no refund will be issued. Rebooking fees of $50 also apply.

In the instance that your preferred date of travel is cancelled by us, we will rebook you on the next available date we are departing at no additional cost to you. For more information on booking changes and other options contact our Reservations team via email: email/info)(billytea.com.au or phone: 07 4032 0077.

If you booked through a third-party travel agent, please contact your agent directly regarding your refund or rebooking request first. Please read the agents Terms & Conditions carefully before booking with a third party! Their specific Terms and Conditions are out of our control and may differ from our Terms and Conditions.

How many people will be in the vehicle?
Our vehicles take 16 to 20 passengers only. We keep our numbers small to create a more personalised experience.

Can we do a private charter?
Yes! We have private charters available with personalised itineraries. Price on application - get in touch with us!

What should I bring on a Chillagoe tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes (no flip flops!), sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle, a camera and some cash for an ice-cream if you wish. A light jacket is also recommended during cooler months. You must wear closed-in shoes for the Caves tour, for safety reasons and the decision of the National Parks.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation. We can cater for vegetarians and most other requirements, within reason if they are medical. Please note you are touring to a remote location and having lunch at an outback pub, so there is not a big selection.

What level of fitness is required?
You will need to be reasonably fit as there are stairs, and some uneven ground and will take an hour to walk through the cave system at a slow pace.

I do not like confined spaces, will I be ok in the caves?
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.

Is Chillagoe worth visiting from Cairns?
Absolutely. Chillagoe offers a completely different experience to the reef and rainforest, with ancient limestone caves, rugged outback landscapes, historic mining sites and Aboriginal cultural history. It’s one of Tropical North Queensland’s most unique hidden gems.

How far is Chillagoe from Cairns?
Chillagoe is located approximately 215 kilometres inland from Cairns. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, remote country towns and scenic outback Queensland.

Can you visit Chillagoe in one day?
Yes - our full-day Chillagoe tour from Cairns is specifically designed to allow visitors to experience the caves, outback scenery and key attractions comfortably in a single day.

What are the Chillagoe Caves?
The Chillagoe Caves are ancient limestone cave systems located within Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, known for their impressive rock formations and geological significance.

Is the road to Chillagoe sealed?
Most of the route is sealed, with a combination of sealed and unsealed sections over the final 32km. Let us take care of that for you so you don't have to worry. Just sit back and relax!

Should I self-drive or take a guided tour to Chillagoe?
While it is possible to self-drive, many visitors choose a guided tour from Cairns to avoid the long drive and gain local insights into the region’s history, wildlife and geology. If you're thinking of driving to Chillagoe in your hire car, you need to check with your company that you can take your car on a dirt road. Chillagoe is located approximately 215km west of Cairns, with a drive time of around 3 hours. The journey travels through the Atherton Tablelands via Mareeba and Dimbulah before reaching the rugged outback landscapes of Chillagoe. 

What wildlife can you see in Chillagoe?
Depending on the season, visitors may spot wallabies, birdlife and native wildlife throughout the outback landscapes and Granite Gorge region.

Is the Chillagoe tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome on our day tours from 4 to 16 years of age. We do not cater for children 0-3 years. If you would like to book a tour with your infant, we have private charters available upon request. 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.)

Is the tour wheelchair / disabled-friendly?
Unfortunately due to the narrow passages, steps and elevated platforms of the Chillagoe Caves, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair or walking disabilities.

Is there a Wifi connection?
No, as you are in a remote location we cannot provide wifi in our vehicles. This may also mean that mobile reception is often quite difficult due to the remoteness of the area.

Reviews

What our customers say:

"The tour is really well organised and interesting. You have the chance to see different things during the whole day (landscape, animals, etc.) We had a great tour guide, Gav. He was very knowledgeable and passionate! I recommend this tour to everyone who wants to see the Australian outback!"
- Aleksander, via TripAdvisor

"Thanks for a wonderful day in the outback. My personal highlights were the drive to Chillagoe, the diverse change in scenery and the rocky granite and limestone outcrops. A unique and amazing part of Australia. I loved it. Thanks, Gavin for being such a great and passionate guide. I learned so much. You're a top bloke!"
- Konnie, via TripAdvisor

"This is a great day out with a top guide. You travel through all aspects of the Australian bush from rainforests and into the typical inland savannah, you get to taste locally grown coffee in a fantastic setting. The actual cave tour is unbelievable and you have your own indigenous local range to show you through caves. Highly recommend"
- Morgan, via TripAdvisor