The only Outback Full-Day Tour from Cairns and Port Douglas! Explore the Chillagoe Caves, Granite Gorge and other gems of the Australian Outback on a full-day tour from Cairns. With a naturalist guide, you'll travel by 4WD vehicle through the McAllister Ranges, the Great Dividing Range and the Australian Outback while listening to informative commentary about the region’s wildlife, history and Aboriginal culture. Tour Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, see historic mining towns, and enjoy morning tea at the local Skybury Coffee Plantation and lunch at a 100-year-old Chillagoe Pub during this small-group tour limited to 14 people.
Posted By : Nicole_V
We really enjoyed this tour, mainly because our tour guide, Gavin (Gavan?), was fantastic. He had a commentary for most of the ride, which I like. I enjoy hearing all the information he had to share. His knowledge of the animals in the outback was fantastic.
He held the snake while we were at the campground stop, which allowed those that wanted to touch the snake to do so. Since he had the same snake as a pet (python carpet snake, I think), he was extremely knowledgeable and comfortable with / about these snakes (maybe all snakes!).
He knew where to stop to see the kangaroos, wallabies, and several birds. We even saw some birds that he said he doesn't see all the time.
It was clear he respects all cultures, and particularly the Aboriginal Australians, as he mentioned several people that he talks to (and talked to, as some have now passed) at various stops, where he learned their culture and ways of the world.
Gavin was able to explain some of the Aboriginal art that was drawn on the rocks (near the Balancing Rock), in part, because of his friendship he had with an Aboriginal Australian. Same with explaining the Rainbow Serpant, and how some birds signify family members. It was all very fascinating. We saw some English lads who were on our tour with Gavin the next day on The Great Barrier Reef tour -- when we saw a rainbow, they also mentioned the Rainbow Serpant (referenced from Gavin's information).
The cave was also interesting. We saw spiders and bats (no snakes, although I'm sure they were there!). The different formations of the stalactites and stalagmites were very pretty and interesting. If you are afraid of any of these animals, don't go in the cave. It's one narrow path where all people are and you can't run about screaming about these animals (this cave is the animals homes--we are the intruders).
Gavin showed us Australian marble and it was beautiful.
Also, the scones were fantastic!!
The entire tour was wonderful!!
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Posted On : 2024-07-03 19:04:13 
Posted By : Sophie_K
Had a really great time on this tour. Although, I went by myself and the trip was really informative about the outback and Australia in general. Gavin did a fantastic job, had great energy and was able to share with us his personal stories, connections to the Aboriginal peoples, flora and fauna. He also took the time to play us some modern Australian music, providing a deeper understanding of modern Australia culture. They are all part of my Spotify playlist now! Had a great time and would really recommend to anyone spending some time in Cairns. It is a long day trip, but the sights were the most beautiful- and it did truly feel like something different and exciting to do in the area.
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Posted On : 2024-06-16 19:25:36
Posted By : Dawn_R
This was a great day! We made many stops to view and experience the diverse landscapes and culture. Starting the day at a coffee plantation was Beautiful and set the tone for the excitement and beauty ahead of us. Andy, our driver and guide, was fabulous and so in tune with his community. I’d love to take another tour with him. He’s patient and reliable.
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Posted On : 2024-06-11 18:47:32
Posted By : Khuan_J
We started off with breakfast at Skybury cafe which was great. Then we went to explore a cave followed by lunch. Smelter was next then balancing rock and rock art. Lastly was granite gorge park to feed wallaby. They were so cute! We enjoyed this tour so much with our driver guide Ro. He’s easily one of the best around. He looks after everyone. Thank you.
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Posted On : 2024-06-08 05:44:41
Posted By : Eva S
It was a long day, we enjoyed the drive through the changeing spectacular landscape. Our driver Mark was a very competent driver, but we would have liked more information. This also applies to the cave tour. The morning tea at the coffee plantation's restaurant was excellent, a short tour of the plantation and opportunity for photos of the coffee bushes, and en route of avocado and mango trees would have rounded it up. However, the drive to the caves is a long distance, and we realise that you can't pack everything into the one day.
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Posted On : 2024-06-01 06:27:48 
Posted By : les_e
Gavin from Billy Tea Safaris was the guide to be with. Excellent commentary, humour and music play list. The caves are fantastic experience and the local topography interesting and diverse. A great tour across the ranges, tablelands into the arid outback.
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Posted On : 2024-05-31 22:05:34
Posted By : Martina_F
The tour was very well organized, with lots of activities. The guide (Dave) was very passionate about his job and his explanation were really great. Food was also amazing. Really hurry up booking this tour!
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Posted On : 2024-05-30 07:23:36
Posted By : Terese_W
The full package great spots good fellow passages and an excellent driver and commentary. Thanks Gavin.✅✅✅✅✅
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Posted On : 2024-05-24 19:34:53
Posted By : Sean_P
It was an amazing experience that exceeded my expectations. We went to the caves and saw lots of bats, cave formations, and even a toad. We stopped for fresh locally grown coffee, and got to feed wild Rock Wallabys that were very friendly. We also saw Kangaroos, Wallabys, and a Monitor Lizard beside the road, and the guide pulled over every time so we could get a good look. Despite the long bus ride, I 100% recommended it.
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Posted On : 2024-05-18 20:46:15
Posted By : N9938FAaliciat
Great trip! Mark was a great guide, we got to see the caves, bush outback and some local stops including wallaby's. We really enjoyed it!
Note that this is definitely a trip to the bush outback (still grass, trees, etc), and not the flat barren desert outback.
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Posted On : 2024-05-17 04:30:39
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