CHILLAGOE MUNGANA CAVES NATIONAL PARKS Jagged outcrops of limestone towering above the surrounding landscape typify Chillagoe. These tower karst formations protect relict rainforest species Which contrast with the open eucalypt woodland of the surrounding plains. Erosion has formed extensive cave systems within the pinnacles of limestone. The caves were first explored 1 00 years ago and since then visitors have been attracted by their beauty and variety. The need for protection was recognised in 1940 when the first park was declared. Nine separate areas are now protected by national park status around Chillagoe. The two largest are the Royal Arch and Donna National Parks which are 1514 ha and 178 ha respectively. The bluffs form fire protected limestone islands that support a special range of plants growing in the fissures. The plants are surviving vestiges of a wetter era and are deciduous, losing their leaves to aid survival during the dry season. Deciduous species include figs, kurrajongs, helicopter trees and batswing coral trees and strychnine bushes. Ironwoods and bloodwoods are the dominant trees on the undulating plains. The introduced plants, rubber vine and chinee apple, are also very common and measures are being undertaken to control them. Animal life is best seen early in the morning or during the evening and includes several species of wallaroos and wallabies. Birdlife is plentiful, with over 75 species having been recorded within a 20 km radius of Chillagoe. Blue faced Honeyeaters noisily feed on insects and blossums while metallic grating calls announce the presence of black cockatoos. The northern blue cheeked race of the Paleheaded Roselle and cheeky mobs of Apostle birds are also commonly seen. LOCATION Chillagoe is 210 km by road from Cairns via Mareeba and Dimbulah, with 45 km of this road unsealed gravel. The journey from Cairns takes approximately 3 hours. Roads from Herberton and Mt Garnet also lead to Chillagoe. In the wet season, from December to March, intending visitors should contact the R.A.C.Q., Cairns, for up to date information on road conditions. ACCOMMODATION Motel, hotel and caravan park accommodation is available at Chillagoe. A small camping ground is provided by Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service (Q.NPWS) at Royal Arch National Park. Sites are limited and may be booked in advance through the Chillagoe office. A large container of water is recommended as rainwater supplies are limited. STORES, FUEL AND SERVICES Fuel, groceries, ice and bread are available in Chillagoe and banking facilities are provided by the Post Office. The butcher shop is open weekdays. The town is serviced by a railway line and a bitumen airstrip. Outpatient services are available at the hospital and emergency medical aid is provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. ACTIVITIES Guided tours of the caves are conducteddailyatg.00amand 1.30pm. A walking track links the Donna and Royal Arch limestone bluffs via the unusual formation of Balancing Rock. Other tracks lead to small aboriginal rock shelters at Mungana and Balancing Rock. Further suggestions include birdwatching and visits to the old smelters, mining sites, cemetery or museum. Swimming is permitted in Chillagoe Creek but only below the weir which provides the town water supply. WHAT TO BRING Torches or lights are useful for the Royal Arch tour. Comfortable walking shoes should be worn during cave tours. Hats, sunblock and insect repellant are advised for outdoors. CAVE TOURS The caves are usually dry, and are not cold. They have constructed paths throughout. The electrically lit Donna Cave is small with pretty formations. It also has the most steps - about 200. The extensive Royal Arch cave is much longer, flatter, more open and massive, but with less delicate cave decorations. There are some 'daylight chambers' through the cave. Together these caves demonstrate the different stages of cave development. Like the Donna, the Trezkinn Cave is electrically lit. It has high level walkways throughout, and a steep entrance and exit. A magnificent chandelier is one of the attractions of this small cave. ARRANGING CAVE TOURS Upon arrival in Chillagoe, check with the Q.NPWS staff, or consult the signage outside the office for details. This is especially important over busy periods. All school holidays, Easter and long weekends are very busy times at Chillagoe. Because strict limits are imposed on visitor numbers per tour, extra tours are offered during these periods. Information concerning them will be available only on the day of the tours. Every visitor will be given the opportunity to see at least one cave while in Chillagoe, provided they observe the booking times. Office hours are 8.00am. to 5.00pm. Payment can be made on the day of the tour only, by cash, cheque or creditcard (Bankcard, Mastercard, Visa). Fees for the Donna and Royal Arch cave tours are: Adults: $4.00 Pensioner: $3.00 Child 5-15: $2.00 Under 5: Free Pre-arranged school groups $1.00/head. Trezkinn Cave fees are half those of the above. For further information telephone (070) 947 163, (070) 947 255 or mail enquiries to P.O. Box 38, Chillagoe, Qld 4871.