In short
- Donna Cave offers beautiful columns and calcite crystals over an 830m track.
- Trezkinn Cave features a steel catwalk and a large chandelier formation.
- Royal Arch Cave requires the most walking but has fewer steep stairs.
In this article
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park offers three ranger-guided show caves. Each cave costs $32.55 per adult, but you can buy a multi-cave package if you want to see more than one. Here is how the main caves compare.
Donna Cave vs Trezkinn Cave
Donna Cave highlights calcite crystals and columns, while Trezkinn Cave is known for its steel catwalk and chandelier formation.
Donna Cave takes 1 hour and requires navigating a 12m crouched section. Trezkinn Cave is shorter, taking 30 to 45 minutes, but has more stairs. Trezkinn also starts with a shelter shed that provides wide views of the landscape.
What will you see in Donna Cave?
You will see false floors, columns, and calcite crystals.
The tour requires an 830m return walk with 440 steps. This includes 33 steep ladder steps that you must climb down backward. You will also need to walk crouched for 12 meters.
What will you see in Trezkinn Cave?
Trezkinn features a large central limestone mass surrounded by a steel catwalk and a large chandelier formation.
You will walk 835m in total. Expect 520 steps, including 46 steep ladder-type steps. The tour takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
What about Royal Arch Cave?
Royal Arch Cave is the largest system, featuring daylight holes and tree roots.
This tour takes 1.5 hours and covers a 1.3km return walk. It has fewer steps (about 385) than Donna and Trezkinn, but you will need to duck under low overhangs. It is a good option if you want less steep climbing.
How much do the cave tours cost?
A single ranger-guided tour costs $32.55 per adult.
If you cannot decide, you can book two caves for $51.95 or all three for $65.40. Discounts apply for children, families, and concession card holders. You must book tickets in advance and collect them at The Hub on Queen Street in Chillagoe.
Are the caves difficult to walk through?
Yes, the environments are challenging and require reasonable fitness.
You must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with excellent grip. The cave interiors remain at a constant 20°C year-round. Children 14 years and under must be with a responsible adult on all tours.
Questions travellers ask
How many steps are in Donna Cave?
Donna Cave has 440 steps in total. This includes 33 steep ladder steps that you must descend backward.
What is the temperature inside Chillagoe caves?
The cave interiors remain around 20°C year-round. This provides a cool escape from outside summer highs that can exceed 35°C.
Do I need to book Chillagoe cave tours in advance?
Yes, tickets must be booked in advance. You need to collect them at The Hub located on Queen Street in Chillagoe.
