1. Into the Hills & Coffee Stop

We depart Cairns/Port Douglas and ascend the Kuranda Range. Our first stop is in Mareeba, the heart of Australia's coffee growing region. We recommend a stop at Skybury Coffee (or similar) for a refreshing morning coffee overlooking the plantation (own cost).

2. Granite Gorge Nature Park

We visit Granite Gorge to walk among massive granite boulders. Here you will get fantastic photo opportunities and close encounters with wild Mareeba Rock Wallabies. These rare, endangered, and friendly animals can be hand-fed (pellets available).

3. The Outback Drive

We drive west towards Chillagoe (approx. 2 hours). Watch the landscape change from lush coast to true outback red soil, termite mounds, and open woodland inhabited by kangaroos and cows. We pass through historic mining towns like Almaden.

4. Chillagoe Smelters & Caves

Upon arriving in Chillagoe, we explore the towering limestone karsts that dominate the horizon.

• Historic Smelters: Explore the remains of the once-mighty copper smelters and old chimneys.
• Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park: Visit the famous Balanced Rock for photos.
• Cave Tour: Join a ranger-guided tour of the Royal Arch, Donna, or Trezkinn caves to see spectacular stalactites and stalagmites (entry fee applies).

5. Outback Lunch

Enjoy a classic lunch at the Post Office Hotel, a historic outback pub built at the turn of the century. Meet the locals and enjoy a beef burger or fish and chips (vegetarian options available).

6. Mt Uncle Distillery

On the return journey, we stop at the award-winning Mt Uncle Distillery. Nestled in a banana plantation, you can sample their spirits and liqueurs or enjoy afternoon tea with scones (own cost) before returning to the coast.