Description
Billy Tea Safaris takes you on a full-day adventure from Cairns to the magnificent Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge, and other sights of Tropical North Queensland. Your day starts with a pleasant, accredited guide picking you up in a custom-built, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.
Departures
- Departs Cairns from 6.45 am
- Cairns return approximately 6.30 p.m.–7 p.m.
We’ll ascend the McAllister Ranges after introductions and getting to know your other passengers for the day. We are looking for a variety of bush birds, such as emus, wedge-tail eagles, squatter pigeons, kangaroos, and frilled neck lizards. Along the route to your first stop for morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation in Mareeba,
Travel out to Chillagoe
While listening to your guide’s insightful comments about the region’s fauna, history, and aboriginal culture. Travel through ancient mining towns and small outback communities with an expert local guide as you explore the Chillagoe-Mungaga Caves National Park.
Visit the Chillagoe Smelter Ruins, Balancing Rock for a spectacular photo opportunity, Aboriginal rock art, and Granite Gorge to watch the wallabies. Lunch will be served at a 100-year-old Aussie Outback tavern.
Your travel itinerary
Stop 1 Skyury Coffee Plantation Morning Tea
While enjoying the balcony views, enjoy a coffee or tea and a morning snack (such as scones, jam and cream, and tropical fruit)
Stop 2: Private Chillagoe – Mungana Caves National Park Tour
Step back in time as your guide discusses the petrified remains of the old coral reefs, and be inspired by his knowledge. With concealed limestone labyrinths, this 400–420 million-year-old structure provides a link to a long-lost planet.
very similar to our own Great Barrier Reef. The inland sea used to be here. The limestone caves and Chillagoe-Munagana Formations, which date back millions of years, are very breathtaking.
Stop 3 Chillagoe Smelter Ruins
The historic chimneys of the Chillagoe copper smelters, which dominate the western horizon, are the subject of this investigation. We explore the ruins of the once-powerful smelters to imagine what it must have been like to work there.
Stop 4 Aussie Lunch at Chillagoes 100-year-old pub
A genuine Australian outback pub constructed around the turn of the century. There is time to visit Chillagoe’s exclusive gift shop. specialising in regional Aboriginal art and Chillagoe stone.
Stop 5: Visit Balancing Rock
An iconic photo opportunity!
Stop 6: See Aboriginal Rock Art
In addition, learn about some dreamtime stories.
Stop 7: Visit Granite Gorge to see Wallabies
At Granite Gorge National Park, you can finally get up close and personal with these neighbourhood rock wallabies and still have time to explore the park before heading home.
Note that depending on the weather, potential road closures, and for everyone’s safety, Billy Tea Safaris guides reserve the right to alter itineraries, operate in a different sequence, or not reach some sites.
Important info before travel
Hat, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries, water bottle, and extra cash for cold drinks, souvenirs or ice cream
As we are in a tropical environment, wear comfortable clothes and flat closed-in shoes—no thongs (flip-flops) and no high heels! If you do not have closed-in shoes, you may not be allowed in the caves due to safety reasons and the decision of the National Parks. In winter, you will need to bring a light coat.
- Cairns City accommodation: pick up between 6.45am – 7am, return 6.30pm – 7pm
- Northern Beaches accommodation: this is an additional cost of $29pp. 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: this is an additional cost of $99pp (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.
Customers can cancel their trip up to 18 hours before travel for a full refund (2 p.m. 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 event 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: 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 agent’s terms and 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.
