Capricorn Caves, Queensland: Best cave tour & entry fee
The Cathedral Cave tour at the Capricorn Caves near Rockhampton in Queensland shows off the biggest cave and is wheelchair accessible. But the Capricorn Adventurer tour is more fun.
What are the Capricorn Caves?
The Capricorn Caves are a series of limestone caves to the north of Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia. Of these caves, Cathedral Cave is the most visited.
Tell me more…
It’s hard to believe, but the Capricorn Caves near Rockhampton in Queensland were once underwater. The limestone caves formed from coral, before sea water levels dropped and the caves became marooned inland.
To skip the explanation and book the Capricorn Caves tour, head over here.
Nowadays, the Capricorn Caves are justifiably one of the most popular attractions in Central Queensland. But there are several cave tours to choose from.
Cathedral Cave tour at Capricorn Caves
The easiest and most popular of these Capricorn Caves tours is the Cathedral Cave tour. This tour visits the largest cave in the system
The entry fee for the Cathedral Cave tour at the Capricorn Caves is $35.
The guides talk about the geological history, early exploration, acoustics and wildlife that lives in the cave system. There are walkways and ramps to make the Cathedral Cave tour accessible, although the Zig Zag Passage and suspension bridge on the way out add a sense of adventure.
Top experiences to book in and around Rockhampton
- (Highly recommended ✅) Great Keppel Island day trip – with lunch.
- Cathedral Cave tour at Capricorn Caves. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 90 minute Deep Vault Cave and Flower Pot tour at Capricorn Caves.
- Time Safaris walking tour.
Adventure tours in the Capricorn Caves
If it’s adventure you want, the Capricorn Adventurer tour is much more involved. This Capricorn Caves tour ventures into remote sections of the cave system, using headlamps to show the way. There’s plenty of scrambling to be done through caves such as Jack’s Beanstalk and Fat Man’s Misery. But it’s all worth it when you emerge at the lookout over Mt Etna National Park and Baga National Park. This adventure tour cost $70.
Capricorn Explorer tour at Capricorn Caves cost
Somewhere in the middle is the Capricorn Explorer tour, which uses helmets and headlights but has less scrambling. The decorations of the Deep Vault Cave are the highlight, and the tour costs $55.
Where are the Capricorn Caves?
The Capricorn Caves are just to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn, hence the name. They’re just off the Bruce Highway, about half an hour’s drive north of Rockhampton. The tours can be booked online.
The best places to stay in Rockhampton, Queensland
The best Rockhampton accommodation choices are:
- For character and charm: Denison Boutique Hotel.
- For heritage: Quality Hotel Regent.
- For well-equipped apartments: Quest Rockhampton.
- For really good value: Rockhampton Serviced Apartments.
- For a great pool: Korte’s Resort.
Other cave systems worth exploring in Australia include the Jenolan Caves near the Blue Mountains, Giants Cave and Jewel Cave in the Margaret River region and the Tantanoola Caves or Naracoorte Caves in South Australia.
More Queensland travel
Ocean Rafting tours to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays
Mango wine at the Golden Drop winery in the Atherton Tableland.
Coolum Beach Holiday Park on the Sunshine Coast.
The best things to do in Laidley.
Teewah Beach camping near Noosa, Sunshine Coast.