From the Royal Arch Cave car park, located 7km from Chillagoe, this tour is an easy ramble through 1.5km of passages and some 13 chambers in one of the largest cave systems in the area. Some hand-held lamps are provided to add to the excitement of exploring a labyrinth of tunnels and lofty caverns. Children may like to bring a torch. Unexpected shafts of daylight, glimpses of darting bats and sculptured limestone formations are highlights of this tour.

From the Donna Cave car park, located 1.5km from Chillagoe, this cave, although small, is very pretty. During the short 200m walk through the cave, visitors are required to climb several steep flights of stairs; about 200 steps in total. Electrical lighting is provided in this cave.

From the Donna Cave car park, located 1.5km from Chillagoe, access to the Trezkinn Cave is provided via a steel catwalk encircling a huge central mass of limestone. The walk through the cave is about 150m long, with several steep flights of stairs but the sight of a magnificent "chandelier" formation rewards the active visitor. Electrical lighting is provided in this cave.

Rangers conduct guided tours of Royal Arch, Donna and Trezkinn caves at 9am, 11am and 1.30pm daily except Christmas Day. Fees apply. Tickets must be obtained beforehand from the Chillagoe Hub Information Centre. Groups should make advance bookings.

Essentials to bring

Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure that you bring:

* sturdy non-slip shoes for walking on rough or slippery surfaces
* hat and sunscreen
* cool, protective clothing - the limestone rock has sharp edges, so protective clothing is advisable, and cave temperature is approximately 22 degrees Celsius, so warm clothing is not necessary
* torches for exploring the caves
* insect repellent
* rubbish bags, as no bins are provided.

Opening hours

Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is open year round, although roads may be impassable in the wet season, December to March.

For cave tour bookings and tickets, the Chillagoe Hub Information Centre is open 8.30am-5pm daily and 8am-3.30pm on weekends.

Permits and fees

Fees apply to ranger-guided cave tours. Fees vary depending on age and tour option. For details and bookings, contact the Chillagoe Hub Information Centre.

Permits are required for all commercial activities or group functions within the park.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park.

Climate and weather

There are two seasons in the Chillagoe area - the wet season from December to the end of March, and the dry season from April until November. The mean annual rainfall is 800mm. Summer (wet season) temperatures usually range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. October and November can be very hot and dry while the winter months from May until August can be cool at night. Thunderstorms and rain depressions at the end of November usually herald the approaching wet season. For more information see the tourism information links below.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel, mechanical repairs and supplies are available at Chillagoe. For more information see the tourism information links below.