Nice quiet little town that has so much to see and you need to get here early in the morning and you still will need to return sometime, but would only come in winter times as it be very warm in summer.
We started in Mareeba which is the starting point of the Wheelbarrow Way. The road to Chillagoe is known as the Wheelbarrow Way because the miners who headed out to the region usually carried all their possessions with them in wheelbarrows as they headed out towards Chillagoe and the other mining locations along the way. The road is a good for most of the way there are at least three section of dirt which run for about 6 km. we found to dirt sections ok but they can change quickly when the rains come or the traffic, do be aware of the train crossing some only have a give way sign at then but a couple have a Stop sign, as you cross over the dirt section watch out for road trains as they will stir up a lot of dust, just get over to the left without getting into the loose gravel , do slow down as you will not see very far in front and behind you, but don't stop as anyone behind you will not see you either, best just before dust covers you check ahead and behind so you have some idea of the road and others around you the trucks don't slow so be safe.
We started in Mareeba which is the starting point of the Wheelbarrow Way. The road to Chillagoe is known as the Wheelbarrow Way because the miners who headed out to the region usually carried all their possessions with them in wheelbarrows as they headed out towards Chillagoe and the other mining locations along the way. The road is a good for most of the way there are at least three section of dirt which run for about 6 km. we found to dirt sections ok but they can change quickly when the rains come or the traffic, do be aware of the train crossing some only have a give way sign at then but a couple have a Stop sign, as you cross over the dirt section watch out for road trains as they will stir up a lot of dust, just get over to the left without getting into the loose gravel , do slow down as you will not see very far in front and behind you, but don't stop as anyone behind you will not see you either, best just before dust covers you check ahead and behind so you have some idea of the road and others around you the trucks don't slow so be safe.
|
Chillagoe Marble which is still mined lay about the bush as you drive into town and is some of the most beautiful Marble about.
|
|
Just move over to left and let them go by but don't stop if others are following you, they will not see you as they move though the dust.
|
|
The dust from these big boys will cause you to slow
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Above is the local weir and swimming hole, the water is nice and cool and clear as well with fish and was told by a local that it has freshwater crocs somewhere in it.
Chillagoe Smelters
|
|
Well worth reading about this place as they did not make any money in the 12 or so years it ran and was closed at start of first world war
The view from were the supers house was on the hill above the smelter works.
|
Read the photo text, it will give you an idea of how they lived out here
|
What's left of the Smelter area and you cant walk about that area, far too dangerous
|
|