The spectacular lime caves at Chillagoe offer a glipse of Far North Queensland's ancient geological history.

The historic town of Chillagoe on the far western end of the Atherton Tablelands is the gateway to one of the regions most impressive tourist attractions, the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park.

Chillagoe lies within a belt of limestone, 5km wide and 45km long, extending from south of Chillagoe north-west to the Walsh River and beyond.

Around 400 million years ago, the Chillagoe area we know today was underwater, part of a shallow inland sea.

The limestone was deposited from mud and coral reefs that covered the sea.

As the area dried out, the limestone was eroded, forming the amazing rock formations and caves that we see today.

Over 600 caves are present in the area, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, crystals and 35,000 year old aboriginal rock art.

The area also features a number of different flora and fauna unique to the area, making the area one of the richest places to see Far North Queensland's ancient natural history.

Chillagoe is located around 220kms west of Cairns via Mareeba and Dimbulah.

The area is best accessed by car, as it will allow you to take in the breathtaking scenery and take your time visiting the many wonders of the region.

If you don't have access to a vehicle, then tours leave daily for the Undara Experience lodge, located near Chillagoe.

The Undara Experience gives tourists access to the famous Undara Lava Tubes, which is one of the longest continuous lava flow in the world and a perfect place to start your Chillagoe caving adventure.

 

 

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