Chillagoe

Chillagoe

• Location: -17.15568° N, 144.52483° E
• Population:192
• Postcode: 4871

Chillagoe is located 205 kilometres West of Cairns and 1834 kilometres northwest of Brisbane. Chillagoe is a marvellous landscape of jagged towers and an extensive cave system.

History

Long ago, this region, approximately 600 million years ago,  this region was believed to be once a coral reef. Historically the region has been a thriving mining town, including many minerals.  Nowadays, only a few mines exist, including zinc and marble quarries.

Things to see and do

• Explore over 600 above ground limestone caves.
• Hiking is popular throughout this area, with many beautiful caves to explore.
• Fossicking for fossils
• Stargazing includes unforgettable night skies.
• While you are there, explore the historic Chillagoe Smelters.
• Join in the fun of the Chillagoe Rodeo during May of each year.
• Finally, take a refreshing swim to cool off in one of the many waterholes or local weir.

While you stay, enjoy a delicious lunch at outback Aussie Pub.

Accommodation

• Guesthouse
• Cabins
• Cockatoo Hotel Motel 
• Chillagoe Tourist Village offers shady caravan sites and cabins.
• Chillage Observatory Eco Lodge

Places of Interest

• Donna Caves
• Trezkinn Cave
• Bauhinia Cave
• Royal Arch Cave
• Balancing Rock

Start by exploring the spectacular limestone caves that feature small Aboriginal art galleries. Then explore the caves with caverns and passages decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Take a ranger-guided Cave tour and learn how the Chillagoe caves were formed during your visit.

Wildlife

More than 75 bird species have been recorded in this area, including the pale-faced rosellas,  red-tailed black cockatoos, Australian Bustard, Kookaburra, and the mistletoe bird. Rock wallabies are common around rocky outcrops. Several types of bats live in the caves, including Finlayson's Bat cave and the little bent-wing bat.