Fact Sheets & Video - Chillagoe

Chillagoe - an outback town full of secrets, mystery and scandal

Chillagoe is located 200km west of Cairns. Created by the riches mined from its ore smelters, fostered by the attraction of its spectacular limestone caves and the staunch characters of pioneers and early cattlemen, Chillagoe is the authentic outback of Aussie folklore. Today, Chillagoe has a 24 hour airstrip, Tropical North Queensland's only celestial observatory and a spring-fed waterhole which is an oasis to both locals and visitors.

Some 400 million years ago, shallow seas covered the region. When the water level dropped, the coral reefs made up of compressed limestone were exposed. High ridges with dramatic, serrated towers and balancing rocks were formed by erosion. Rainwater coursing over the limestone created spectacular underground caves; the most extensive system in the state of Queensland which encompasses around 700 known caves. The region is known as the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park.

National Parks' rangers conduct guided tours at selected caves. There are six the public can explore, with three - the Royal Arch, Trezkinn and Donna Caves - accessible by daily ranger-guided tours only. If the idea of going underground is unappealing, The Archways on the Mungana Road near Balancing Rock are large, airy open limestone caverns with parking and picnic areas nearby.

The Chillagoe area is one of richest mineral deposits in the world. The Chillagoe smelter was opened in 1901 and at its peak over 1000 men were employed extracting gold, silver, copper, and lead from ores which were brought from the surrounding area. The mine itself closed down in 1943 having produced over 9.778 tonnes of gold, 184.36 tonnes of silver, 60 963 tonnes of copper and 5080 tonnes of lead during its period of operation. The Chillagoe Mine is listed and protected under the State Heritage Register

Further Information

Chillagoe, QLD

The Chillagoe Cabins have air-conditioning, en suites, meals and the proprietors are accredited Wildlife Carers and conduct regional tours as well as showcasing their miniature horses.

Cabins from $70 per person per night twin share

Chillagoe Cabins also runs tours:

Cave & Town Tour

2 - 2 hours of commentated drive around Chillagoe showing various points of interest such as National Parks, Caves, the Smelter Ruins, Balancing Rock & Marble Pits. $45 per person (children 5 - 14 half price)

Wild Caving & Specialised Tours

All very personalised and can take the form of a relaxing scenic tour in our 4x4 vehicle, to scrambling through some of the 700+ caves that few get to see.

View native wildlife in their natural environment. Find out why Chillagoe is described as "The most important town in Australia's political history". Why does Chillagoe have caves? Meet some Outback Characters and inspect some 400 million year old fossils. $20 per person / per hour (Concessions for children & groups)

For more information on their accommodation and tours contact Chillagoe Cabins on telephone: (07) 4094-7206 or go to their website: www.chillagoe.com

Visit Tourism Queensland at: www.queenslandholidays.com.au