Location
Chillagoe
What it is?
Located just 140 kilometres west of Mareeba along the scenic Wheelbarrow Way, Chillagoe was once an ancient coral reef that has since evolved into striking limestone bluffs, housing a network of over 560 caves. The region’s early volcanic activity has also given rise to rich deposits of marble and minerals. For this travelling from Cairns, the drive from Cairns to Chillagoe takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
What it offers?
Visit the Chilllagoe Visitor Information and Interpretive Centre, known as ‘The Hub’, to find out what to see and where to stay. This is also where you book the cave tours.
Be sure to visit the balancing rock.
There is a swimming hole/weir for those hot afternoons.
Check out the Mungana Rock Art Site.
Visit the Tom Prior Ford Museum (we forgot about this one, so we need to do it when we return).
For those who fall in love with the caves and want more exploring, there is a Caving Club.
Wheelchair Access?
- Unable to go into the cave systems due to stairs.
- Unable to go to the swimming hole and weir due to unstable ground and the requirement to climb over rocks.
- Can assess the main viewing area of the smelter.
- Can easily view Dave the Elasmosaur.
What we did?
We participated in three guided cave tours, each offering a unique and fascinating experience. I’m glad we chose to explore all three. Additionally, we visited the Mungana Rock Art site and the Archways, both captivating.
We also walked along the loop trail leading to the iconic Balancing Rock, which was the highlight of the day.
Given the heat, we decided to visit the local swimming hole and weir. Although it hadn’t rained recently, and the water wasn’t particularly good, we took the plunge to cool off—and it was worth it.
For lunch, we had a fairly average burger at one of the local establishments.
In the evening, we prepared our dinner and headed to the smelter to watch the sunset. The night sky was breathtaking.
On the return journey back to Cairns, we realised we had forgotten to visit the Ford Museum—something to look forward to next time!
Highlight?
Watching the sunset out at the smelter. The stars in the night sky were incredible. I have never seen such an amazing sky. There are SO many satellites up there!
Would I do it again?
I really want to return and go to the observatory.
What do you need?
As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception is patchy); water bottles; stainless steel coffee cup; healthy snacks for the trails; wide brim hat: sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes; swimmers and towels; umbrella for sun/rain; jacket; picnic and picnic blanket.
With Kids: water; snacks; wide brim hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Pets: domestic animals are not permitted in National Parks.
Yearly Events
- The Great Wheelbarrow Race takes place every year in May – watch or participate in pushing team members in a wheelbarrow from Mareeba to Chillagoe.
- The Chillagoe Festival offers live music, markets, art, food, displays and more – in July.
- The Chillagoe Bushman’s Carnival Association’s annual Chillagoe Rodeo! This event usually takes place over a weekend in May.