Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Learn how to get there, what to pack, and how to organize your time at the caves.

Capricorn Caves

30 Olsen Caves Rd, The Caves

GPS -23.1658, 150.491

Open directions

Getting there

The site is located just off the Bruce Highway.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive north from Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway (Pacific Coast Way) for about 25 minutes, turning off at The Caves township.	25 minutes from Rockhampton	Free parking on site	Easily accessible for large vehicles, with an on-site caravan park.
Tour: Bookable day tours and transit packages occasionally run from Rockhampton or the Capricorn Coast (Yeppoon).	45-60 minutes from Yeppoon	Varies by operator	Best to verify current shuttle or day-trip availability with the Rockhampton Visitor Information Centre.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The caves are open year-round. Visit between December and early January at 11:00 AM to see the Summer Solstice light beam in the Belfry Chamber. Winter months (June to August) provide cooler weather for camping and the above-ground Karst Walk.

What to bring

Enclosed walking shoes (essential for safety and grip)
Light jacket or long-sleeve shirt (the cave maintains a cool 22°C/71°F)
Comfortable, flexible trousers (especially if doing the crawling/climbing adventure tours)
Insect repellent (for mosquitoes and bugs in the surrounding bushland)
Refillable water bottle
Camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities
Hat and sunglasses (for the outdoor Karst Walk and visitor centre)
Swimwear (if staying on-site and using the visitor swimming pool)

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Enclosed walking shoes are essential for safety and grip on all tours.

Adventure tours strictly enforce the footwear rule.

How the day runs

Sample schedules for different types of visits.

A relaxed morning exploring the main cave system and above-ground trails.

09:30
Arrive & check-in
Park for free and collect your tickets at the visitor center.
10:00
Cathedral Cave Tour
Join the 45-minute guided walk through the main chambers.
11:00
The Karst Walk
Stretch your legs on the 30-minute surface trail.
11:45
Cafe stop
Grab a coffee or light lunch at the licensed on-site cafe before driving back.

Practical advice

Bring enclosed shoes. They are highly recommended for the standard tour and strictly required for any adventure options. The cave temperature sits at 22°C (71°F), so a light long-sleeve shirt or jacket is useful.

If you choose the Adventurer Tour, wear older clothes that allow flexibility. You will get dirty. Read Cave Clothing Guide for a full packing list.

Easiest way to do it

Capricorn Caves Cathedral Cave Tour

45 min 4.8 (591)

Local guide
Written language translations available in German, French, Japanese, Chinese

From$30per person

Viator$30 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How far are Capricorn Caves from Rockhampton?

The caves are 23 kilometers north of Rockhampton. The drive takes approximately 25 minutes via the Bruce Highway (Pacific Coast Way).

What should I wear to visit?

Wear enclosed walking shoes and comfortable clothing. The cave is 22°C (71°F) inside, so a light jacket helps. Adventure tours require flexible clothing that can get dirty.

Is there accommodation at the caves?

Yes, there is an 80-acre native bushland property with fully self-contained cabins and caravan sites. Guests also get access to a swimming pool and campfire pits.