_edited.png)
Capricorn Caves, Queensland - Walking Through Ancient Limestone Cathedrals
- Oct 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Capricorn Caves, Queensland - Walking Through Ancient Limestone Cathedrals
Located 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton, Capricorn Caves is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Central Queensland. Discovered in 1881 and opened to visitors just three years later, it’s now one of the longest-running tourist attractions in Queensland — and after visiting ourselves, it’s easy to see why.
Capricorn Caves is also one of the largest privately owned cave systems in Australia, and the experience feels both professional and personal. Near the reception area, you’ll find a café, informative displays and a gift shop, making it an easy and well-organised place to visit.
Arriving at Capricorn Caves
We arrived with plenty of time to spare and spent a few minutes browsing the displays and grabbing a coffee before our tour. The caves are easy to access, with a fully sealed road from Rockhampton and ample parking for cars, motorhomes and caravans, which makes it a great stop for road trippers.
When it was time to begin, we met our guide outside the reception area and headed toward the cave entrance, ready for the adventure ahead.
We chose the Cathedral Cave Tour, the most popular option and the one that showcases the largest and most spectacular chambers. This guided experience takes around one hour and covers approximately one kilometre through the cave system.
As we walked toward the entrance, our guide shared fascinating insights into the cave’s geological history, early European explorers and the unique flora and fauna found in and around the caves.
Entering the Cave System
Capricorn Cave is an above-ground cave, which means there are no narrow crawl spaces or ladders. Instead, we descended via several sections of stairs into a surprisingly open and spacious limestone cavern.
Inside, the cave is brightly lit, revealing towering limestone walls, rare ferns clinging to the rock, massive tree roots stretching down from above, and small bats tucked into crevices. The scale of the space was impressive, and it felt far more cathedral-like than we had imagined.
The Cathedral Cave Experience
The highlight of the tour came when we reached the magnificent Cathedral Cave — a vast, high-domed chamber known for its incredible acoustics. We sat quietly on the wooden pews as a recording of “Hallelujah” played through the space, echoing beautifully off the limestone walls. It was a surprisingly moving moment and easy to understand why the Cathedral Cave is often used for weddings, concerts and special events.
Choosing the Way Out
At the end of the tour, visitors have two options. You can return the easy way out with the guide, or, like us, take the more adventurous route through the Zig Zag passage.
This exit involves walking through a rocky passageway and crossing two suspension bridges, before emerging into the rainforest above — a fun and memorable way to finish the experience.
Other Tours at Capricorn Caves
For those looking to take things up a notch, Capricorn Caves’ Explorer Tour offers a more hands-on and adventurous way to experience the cave system. This guided tour is designed for confident walkers and involves crawling, climbing and squeezing through narrow passages, giving you access to parts of the caves that aren’t seen on the Cathedral Cave Tour.
Unlike the wide, open chambers of the Cathedral Cave, the Explorer Tour takes you deeper into the cave network, where you’ll navigate uneven surfaces, low ceilings and natural rock formations. Helmets and headlamps are provided, and your guide is with you every step of the way, sharing insights into the cave’s formation while helping you safely tackle the more challenging sections. It’s a fantastic option for adventure-seekers and anyone wanting a more immersive, behind-the-scenes cave experience — and a great contrast to the more relaxed Cathedral Cave Tour.
Why We Loved Visiting Capricorn Caves
Visiting Capricorn Caves was one of the most memorable experiences on our Capricorn Coast travels. It’s educational without being dry, adventurous without being intimidating, and genuinely awe-inspiring.The combination of natural beauty, fascinating history and the unforgettable Cathedral Cave makes this a must-do attraction near Rockhampton.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or solo, Capricorn Caves offers an experience that stays with you long after you’ve stepped back into the daylight.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us cover website costs and continue sharing real travel experiences from the road.
Comments