Capricorn Caves Capricorn Adventurer

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The hardest tour at Capricorn Caves, north of Rockhampton: two hours of crawling, climbing and squeezing through the remote parts of the system by headlamp, with no more than 8 people. Halfway through you climb out onto the top of the limestone for views over Mount Etna and Baga national parks.

Days

2 hours

Age

10 years and over

Group size

Max 8

Start / finish

Capricorn Caves, The Caves (23 km north of Rockhampton) / Capricorn Caves

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way; on foot, crawling and climbing underground

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Capricorn Caves Capricorn Adventurer

View map

Included experiences

Fat Man's Misery — crawl through a low, tight passage
Jack's Beanstalk — a collapsed chamber with fig roots hanging into it
Remote passages — wind and climb through dark tunnels by headlamp
Outcrop summit — 360-degree views over Mount Etna and Baga national parks

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GEARING UP

Capricorn Caves sit in a ridge of ancient coral limestone 23 km north of Rockhampton, and the Adventurer is the hardest tour they run. You meet your guide at the caves with no more than seven others, fit a helmet and head torch, and leave the lit walkways behind. Wear enclosed, non-slip shoes and long pants that cover your knees; you'll be on them. From here the only light is the one on your head, and the group moves at the pace of the slowest crawler, so there's no need to rush.

FAT MAN'S MISERY AND THE TIGHT BITS

Past the entrance chambers the passages close in. The best known is Fat Man's Misery, a low crawl where most people end up on their stomachs, sliding over a floor of old, packed-down bat guano. Other stretches wind through narrow tunnels and ask you to climb up and over rock formations in the dark. Your guide shows you where to put your hands and feet, and talks about how water dissolved these routes through the limestone. Is it for you? If you're claustrophobic, the 90 minute Explorer is the gentler choice.

JACK'S BEANSTALK AND THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

Then the cave opens up. Jack's Beanstalk is a big chamber where the roof has fallen in, and the roots of a fig tree drop through it from the forest above, reaching deep for water. From near here the group climbs out onto the top of the limestone for 360-degree views over Mount Etna and Baga national parks and the karst country around them. Mount Etna was the scene of long protests in the late 1980s against limestone mining in caves where rare ghost bats roost, and it is now protected as a national park.

THE SECOND HALF

You climb back down the outside of the outcrop and go underground again lower down. For anyone keen, your guide may offer one or two very tight optional squeezes before the group heads back along narrow passages and timber boardwalks to the start. After two hours you come out dusty, a little sore and pleased with yourself, with the licensed café on site for a cold drink.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Capricorn Caves, 30 Olsen Caves Road, The Caves, about 23 km north of Rockhampton.
Departure time: Tours run daily between about 9am and 2pm; start times vary by day and are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: 10 years. Each booking needs at least 2 adults.
Fitness: High. You need to climb, crawl and squeeze through narrow gaps. It is not suitable if you are claustrophobic, pregnant, or have heart or back problems.
Please note: Enclosed non-slip shoes are essential and long pants are strongly recommended for crawling. Tours often sell out, so book ahead.

What to bring

Enclosed, non-slip athletic shoes such as joggers or hiking boots (essential)
Long pants that cover your knees
Comfortable clothes that can get dirty

What is included

2 hour guided adventure caving tour
Helmet and head torch

Not included

Transport to and from the caves
Food and drinks (sold at the licensed café on site)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 4 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

My partner and I did the Adventurer tour. I'd never been caving and was a bit nervous, but our guide was excellent and knowledgeable and made us all feel at ease.

Amanda Black Verified· Travelled 21st October 2026

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(5/5)

We did the two-hour adventure tour and it isn't watered down at all: you really crawl, climb and squeeze through. The guides made it fun and were friendly and helpful.

Paul Molnar Verified· Travelled 25th September 2026

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(5/5)

Our family of two adults and kids aged 10 and 12 loved the Adventurer tour. Abby explained each tunnel so we knew how to get through, and I had no worries in the tight spots.

Emma O'Neill Verified· Travelled 22nd September 2026

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(5/5)

All the staff were really friendly, and our guide for the adventure caving was an absolute legend.

Matt hamilton Verified· Travelled 29th July 2026

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