Travel: Capricorn Caves

Capricorn Caves is one of the highlights of our four week, month long trip to Australia last year. The best part is that it wasn’t even on the list. If you know me, and my trip planning abilities, you know that things are often scheduled. I don’t like to leave too much unplanned since it feels like wasting time sitting around trying to figure out where to go, what to do, or when to eat. Plus, being a celiac makes things a little more challenging.

Having said that, when we travelled to Australia, we for sure had more spontaneous time and Capricorn Caves is one of those times!

We happened to be driving to Kinka Beach from Cape Hillsborough and saw the billboards a few times. I checked it out online and we though, let’s visit! Okay, let’s check out some photos.

Capricorn Caves

First, if you’re very afraid of bats, be careful – you will see them and they will fly over your head. Word to the wise – don’t dart and move excessively. If they start flying, stay still – their sonar will place you and they’ll fly around you. Move quickly, then they might run into you! We signed up for a tour – the Cathedral Cave Tour, which is one of the most popular.

The tour is about 45 minutes and you’ll see and learn so much – okay, photo time.

The walk to the caves is about 7 minutes and our guide was awesome, explaining the rocks and vegetation as we made our way along the path.

We visited before lunch time, or before noon and it happened to be a great time to visit due to the sun being high in the sky. We spent about 5-6 minutes outside the caves going over the rules and learning. Then, time to enter!

Here is the cathedral – it’s known for it’s superior acoustics. We sat with our group, maybe about 8 of us, and with the lights on they played Hallelujah and then dimmed the lights to enhance your hearing senses. Honestly, it’s a moment I’ll never forget – the feeling of hearing something so clearly, so perfectly, so harmoniously is one I’ll carry with me!

Another fun fact – this little fern was almost extinct and it started growing in the caves – it’s so neat how eco tourism works and how it can be good for the planet.