Download coordinates as: Chillagoe is a rural town and locality in the Shire of Mareeba, Queensland, Australia.

The caves, the spectacular karst landscape and the mining and smelting history are the main tourist attractions to the region.

It has been stated by leading geologist Professor Ian Plimer that the Chillagoe region has the most diverse geology in the world.

The name is taken from the refrain of a sea shanty: "Hikey, Tikey, Psyche, Crikey, Chillagoe, Walabadorie".

The Chillagoe Railway and Mining Company's line opened from Mareeba in 1901 and a Town Reserve was proclaimed 27 October 1910.

[7] Chillagoe is sometimes remembered for its involvement in the Mungana affair, a mining scandal which brought down the government.

In 1919, after fluctuating fortunes and closures, ownership of the smelter was transferred to the Queensland Government.

This acquisition by the Labor Government brought allegations of political corruption which persisted for many years.

When the Labor Party lost power in 1929, the new government ordered a Royal Commission into the incident.

The political careers of two former Queensland Premiers, 'Red' Ted Theodore and William McCormack, were ruined by the commission's report.

[13][14] In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 21 students with 2 teachers and 6 non-teaching staff (2 full-time equivalent).

[16] There were many schools established in the Chillagoe area, often short-lived, reflecting the movement of families from one mine site to another.

The heritage-listed Chillagoe smelters, the cemetery and the many old mines attract history buffs to the area.