Local Area

The town of Chillagoe is located approximately 210 kilometres west of Cairns. Most of the road distance (all but a very few kilometers) is now sealed. The climate is generally quite warm during the middle of winter with cold nights, and ranging to hot and humid during summer. Summer also sees the heaviest rain, with most of the annual 800mm occurring between December and March.

The Chillagoe region has a deep and complex history, with Aboriginal people caring for and living on this land for tens of thousands of years. The Wakaman people, the Traditional Owners of this Country, have an enduring connection to the land, maintaining cultural practices such as hunting, fishing, and harvesting natural resources for tools, baskets, and adornments. Publicly accessible rock art galleries at Mungana and Wullumba provide a glimpse into these traditions, with paintings layered over thousands of years. In recognition of their unbroken connection, native title has been granted to the Wakaman people, formally acknowledging their custodianship of over 715,000 hectares of traditional land, with Mungana and Chillagoe in the north; Mount Surprise to the south; Almaden in the east; and Dagworth in the west.

Chillagoe was and is a centre for the mining industry. European mining began in the late 19th century producing mainly copper and lead (small amounts of silver came from Muldiva). The historic Chillagoe Smelters can be visited by the public and is an excellent demonstration of the technology of mineral (copper, silver, lead and gold) smelting at the turn of the 20th century. In recent times gold was mined at Red Dome and also some copper ore was sent to Mt Isa. The last large mine, Red Dome closed several years ago after virtually exhausting its resources. Today, a new underground gold mine operates at Mungana.

Chillagoe has an airport, keeping the town in touch with the coast through virtually all weather conditions – especially important when the roads are closed during the Wet Season. There is also a District Hospital with a resident Matron just up the road from the airport, which is convenient for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Dances, Rodeos, Race Meetings and similar activities are held on a regular basis in the town, and it is worth keeping in touch with the townspeople (via The Hub) to find out what is going on.

National Parks runs regular guided tours through show caves, and they have done an incredible job of creating a non-intrusive method of lighting the caves they visit. Caves currently open are Royal Arch, Donna and Trezkinn. Donna and Trezkinn are lit, while lights (provided) are required to be carried for Royal Arch. Trips can be booked through local motels and through The Hub. The Hub can be contacted on (07) 4094 7111.

Chillagoe itself can be traversed by walking as all the important amenities are close together. It is a picturesque town with lots of history, amazing rock formations and of course, two pubs.

Balancing Rock

Limestone Karst

Landscape for adventure

Swimming holes