Chillagoe Caves
One of Australia's most extensive limestone karst systems. Over 600 known caves spread across a 35-kilometre belt of ancient coral reef marble, with everything from ranger-guided show caves to wild caving adventures.
600+
Known Caves
3 guided
Tourist Caves
4 marked
Self-Guided
400+
Catatalogued Entrances
35 km
Cave Belt Length
400M years
Rock Age
150 km
From Mareeba
215 km
From Cairns
About the Chillagoe Karst Belt
The Chillagoe-Mungana cave system is not a single cave network but a belt of limestone karst stretching approximately 35 kilometres from the Mungana area in the west through Chillagoe to the east. The limestone was formed from ancient Silurian-Devonian coral reefs (400-420 million years ago) that were metamorphosed into crystalline marble, then uplifted and dissolved by water over millennia to create tower karst formations riddled with caves.
The Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) has documented over 400 tagged cave entrances in the region, with an estimated 600 to 1,000+ caves across the entire limestone belt. These range from small solution tubes to massive chamber systems like Royal Arch Cave.
Ranger-Guided Caves
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service run daily guided tours at these three caves. Tickets from The Hub in Chillagoe town. All tours require closed shoes, water, and a torch.
Donna Cave
A vertical crack cave with 4-5 traversable split levels (false floors). Features limestone columns, calcite crystals, and a Madonna-like formation. The most accessible guided cave with impressive formations throughout.
Trezkinn Cave
Parallel to Donna in the same hill, entered via a narrow cleft high on a vertical cliff face. Features a large central boulder and a "chandelier" formation. More physically demanding with narrow passages and steep sections.
Royal Arch Cave
The largest tourist cave — a horizontal system of 11-12 caverns connected by passages. Noted for vast cave coral, iron oxide staining, a bat maternity colony, and swiftlet nesting sites. The most dramatic cave experience.
Bookings: Purchase tickets in advance from QPWS staff at The Hub, Chillagoe. Tours run daily except Christmas Day. Caves are a constant 24°C. Groups are limited - book ahead during peak season.
Self-Guided Caves
These caves are accessible without a ranger. Check conditions at The Hub before setting out. Bring sturdy shoes, multiple light sources, and plenty of water.
The Archways (Mungana Archways)
EasyA semi-open, daylight-lit cave system. Easy access for all fitness levels. Located near Mungana with nearby Aboriginal art sites.
Pompeii Cave
DifficultA cleft filled with large boulders leading to a dark passage with formations. Requires scrambling over boulders. Not for those with mobility issues.
Bauhinia Cave
DifficultEntered via a dark, narrow crevice with a steep scramble over boulders to see impressive cave coral formations. Short but challenging.
Ryan Cave (historical)
ModerateA fossil cave with exposed crinoids, brachiopods, corals, and sponges visible in the limestone. Documented in ASF records. Check with rangers for current access conditions.
Complete Cave Inventory
Based on Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) caving records, the catalogued cave entrances break down as follows:
138
Wholly on National Park
Cave entrances fully within the protected area, including Royal Arch and many smaller solution caves.
259
Off National Park
Caves on private property, mining leases, or state forest. Many require landholder permission to access.
400+
Total Catalogued Entrances
Estimated 600-1,000+ total caves across the entire 35 km limestone belt including undocumented caves.
Named Caves (Off National Park)
View full CH (Chillagoe) numbered cave list
Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) registered cave entrances in the Chillagoe region include the following CH-prefix designations. 138 caves wholly on national park, 2 partly on park, and hundreds more off-park.
Cave Safety & Responsible Visiting
Before You Go
- Check conditions at The Hub in Chillagoe town
- Carry at least three light sources per person
- Wear sturdy closed shoes with good grip
- Bring 2-3 litres of water per person
- Charge your phone and carry a physical map
In the Caves
- Never cave alone - minimum group of 3 recommended
- Stay on marked paths in tourist caves
- Do not touch formations - oils damage them permanently
- Do not disturb bat colonies or swiftlet nests
- Leave no trace - take all rubbish with you
Access Points & Locations
The Hub (Chillagoe)
Chillagoe town centre
Ticket sales, information, permits
Donna Cave car park
1.8 km from Chillagoe
Access to Donna, Trezkinn, Pompeii, Bauhinia caves
Royal Arch car park
6 km via Bolwarra Road
Access to Royal Arch Cave only
Balancing Rock car park
2.5 km from Chillagoe
Scenic walking track (viewpoint, not a cave)
Mungana Archways car park
17 km west of Chillagoe
Access to The Archways and Aboriginal art sites
Chillagoe Smelters
2.3 km from Chillagoe
Historic mining ruins (restricted access)