In the Berserker Range, 24km north of Rockhampton near the Caves township, the amazing Capricorn Caves are not to be missed. These ancient caves honeycomb a limestone ridge, and on a guided tour through the caverns and labyrinths you’ll see cave coral, stalactites, dangling fig-tree roots and, less likely, little insectivorous bats.
The highlight of the one-hour ‘cathedral tour’ is the beautiful natural rock cathedral where a recording is played to demonstrate the cavern’s incredible acoustics – it's a full body and mind experience. The cathedral has become a popular wedding spot, and there are also several concerts held there throughout the year. In December, around the summer solstice (1 December to 14 January), sunlight beams directly through a 14m vertical shaft into Belfry Cave, creating an electrifying light show. If you stand directly below the beam, reflected sunlight colours the whole cavern with whatever colour you’re wearing.
Daring spelunkers can book a two-hour ‘adventure tour’ ($75; reserve a day or more in advance) which takes you through tight spots with names such as ‘Fat Man’s Misery’. You must be at least 16 years old for this tour.
The Capricorn Caves complex has barbecue areas, a pool, a kiosk, and accommodation (powered sites $35, cabins $140 to $170).
