Capricorn Caves

A complex of above-ground caves 23km north of Rockhampton is home to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most unusual natural wonders, says ANDY PHILLIPS

To experience one of Australia’s most illuminating natural sights, you need to enter a pitch-black cave. Time it right and the first thing you’ll see is a beam of sunlight passing into the cave through a 14m vertical shaft in the roof. Walk under the beam and the entire chamber lights up in the colour of your clothing. Hold a crystal or a disco ball underneath and the rock walls light up with a shower of sparkles.

It is known as the Summer Solstice Light Spectacle and it is the main reason to head to the Capricorn Caves (30 Olsens Caves Rd, tel: +61 (0)7 4934 2883, www.capricorncaves.com.au) between December and mid-January.

WHAT TO DO
Photographing the spectacle on a one-hour guided tour is a must. The tour passes through 10 other chambers, including the domed Cathedral Cave, known for its flawless acoustics. A candlelit trip along pioneering explorer John Olsen’s original zig-zag route provides a fitting finale. The light show can also be combined with a two-hour Wild Caving Adventure, where you contort your body through “squeeze holes” or crevices with names such as Entrapment, Nut Cracker and Rebirth. The caves are also home to five species of bat, including the rare ghost bat.

WHERE TO SPEND
The Dreamtime Cultural Centre (Bruce Hwy, opposite Yeppoon turnoff, tel: +61   (0)7 4936 1655, www.dreamtimecentre.com.au), on the route from Rockhampton to the caves, showcases the lives of the Aboriginal people of the Sandstone Belt. The 120,000sqm site includes native plants and displays on the Darambal Tribe, as well as the Bimbi Artefacts store where indigenous handicrafts are sold. Didgeridoos, boomerangs and Aboriginal art are among the items worth browsing.

WHERE TO STAY
Several types of cabin are available on the forested grounds of the Capricorn Caves and there is also a camping area. Aboriginal-themed rooms can be rented at the four-star Dreamtime Lodge Motel (tel: +61 (0)7 4936 1655, www.dreamtimecentre.com.au), which connects to the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.

FROM ROCKHAMPTON AIRPORT, TAKE HUNTER ST AND THEN NORTH ST TO THE NORTHBOUND BRUCE HIGHWAY. FOLLOW THE HIGHWAY FOR 20KM, THEN TAKE SUCCESSIVE RIGHT TURNS ON ROSSMOYA RD AND BARMOYA RD. THE CAPRICORN CAVES ARE SIGNPOSTED.